2.5m Votes Vow: Edo By-Election As Litmus Test For Gov Okpebholo

The upcoming Edo by-election on August 16 in the Ovia federal constituency of Edo Central senatorial district is seen as a litmus test for Governor Okpebholo. This will be the first election in the state since the governor took office in 2024.

The governor is aiming for a victory to deliver on his promise of a million votes for the APC in the state by 2027. The Edo Central senatorial district has traditionally been a stronghold for the PDP, but Okpebholo managed to win a Senate seat in 2023 for the APC.

The upcoming election will see a fierce contest between Hon Joe Ikpea of the APC and Prince Joe Okojie of the PDP, with unpredictable outcomes due to significant grassroots support for both parties. Governor Okpebholo remains confident in an APC victory and is intensifying grassroots mobilization efforts in the district.

The PDP is pushing for strict adherence to rotation of the senatorial seat.