Joseph Ikpea
By Olamilekan Tosin
Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has won the Edo Central Senatorial District by-election, replacing Monday Okpebholo, who vacated the seat after being elected Governor of Edo State. Ikpea secured a landslide victory with 105,129 votes, defeating his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 15,146 votes.
Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, the INEC Returning Officer, declared Ikpea the winner, citing that he had satisfied the requirements of the law. Ikpea promised to focus on legislation and constituency development in areas such as improving roads and other critical infrastructure, supporting young people through various initiatives, enhancing educational institutions and services, improving healthcare facilities and services, and strengthening traditional institutions and supporting community leaders.
Ikpea vowed to work closely with Governor Monday Okpebholo, the APC, and community leaders to ensure quality representation for Edo Central. He praised Governor Okpebholo as a leader of exceptional qualities, strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people, whose support was a stabilizing force throughout his campaign.
