…Idahosa hails peaceful poll
BY BERNADETTE IDALU
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa at the weekend commended the people of Ovia Federal Constituency for the peaceful conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election, describing it as a true reflection of the party’s internal democracy.
Idahosa gave the commendation while addressing journalists shortly after casting his vote at Iguobazuwa West, Ward 2.
The Deputy Governor described the exercise which produced Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion as the party’s candidate for the August 16, 2025 bye-election to fill the vacant seat in the Ovia Federal Constituency as peaceful and a true test of internal party democracy.
He said the peaceful atmosphere that characterised the primary election was evidence that the APC remained a leadership-driven political party.
According to him, the election process was smooth and well-coordinated across all the wards he visited, with the sole aspirant, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, winning comfortably, having polled the highest number of votes.
“This is my ward, Iguobazuwa West, Ward 2. Voting here was impressive as a mammoth crowd came out to endorse Omosede.
He further noted that the process had set a new benchmark for primary elections in the Federal Constituency, especially as other aspirants voluntarily stepped down to allow the emergence of a consensus candidate.
Idahosa said that the party’s support for Igbinedion was informed by the growing demand for gender inclusiveness in politics, particularly because Edo State currently has no female representatives in the National Assembly.
“Other aspirants stepped down in recognition of the fact that Gabriella Igbinedion stands a good chance. Present political data show a shortfall in female representation. This underscores the need to push for more gender balance,” he added.
Chairman of the Ovia Federal Constituency’s APC Primary Election Committee, Barr. Lucky Ajokperiniovo, declared Omosede as winner of the primary after collating the results from the two local government areas that constitute the electoral jurisdiction.
Announcing the official results of the direct primary, Barr Ajokperiniovo, said Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion polled 2,669 valid votes in Ovia South West and 3,150 valid votes in Ovia North East, bringing the total votes to 5,819.
He stated that the total number of accredited voters also stood at 5,819, meaning Igbinedion secured all votes cast.
Chairman, Ovia South West Local Government Area, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor and other stakeholders including Hon. Jafaru Leko, a member of the APC National Electoral Committee from Abuja, who monitored the process, described it as credible and hitch-free.
They however expressed delight over the peaceful way the exercise was conducted. They appreciated the party leadership over the emergence of Omosede Igbinedion as the party’s candidate
