The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has screened aspirants contesting for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency seats, ahead of the National Assembly by-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025.
The by-elections follow vacancies in the legislative seats, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently announcing the poll date.
In preparation, the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) constituted a five-member Screening Committee headed by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Arc. Chinomso Odoemelan as Secretary. Other members include Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
Aspirants screened for the Edo Central Senatorial seat include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, Joseph Okojie, and Festus Edogun. For the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi was the sole aspirant screened.
Welcoming the committee and aspirants at the PDP state secretariat in Benin City, the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, assured party members of a credible and transparent primary.
He dismissed claims from rival factions questioning the legitimacy of the current leadership, saying, “The national headquarters of the PDP is the only body statutorily empowered to conduct primaries. The five-man team from Abuja sent to conduct this screening is here with us, and this confirms the authenticity of our secretariat and leadership.”
Following the screening, aspirants expressed satisfaction with the process. Festus Edogun described the exercise as transparent and expressed confidence in clinching the ticket. “I know my people, and they know me. I am confident of victory,” he said.
John Yakubu commended the committee’s professionalism and said the by-election was a key opportunity for the PDP to reclaim Edo Central, historically a stronghold for the party.
Other aspirants, Joseph Okojie and Friday Itulah, also expressed optimism, citing voter dissatisfaction with the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a factor working in PDP’s favour.
Meanwhile, Johnny Aikpitanyi, the lone aspirant for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, pledged to focus on grassroots development if elected. “With the support of my people, Ovia will shine again and shine even brighter,” he said.
