By Abiola Olawale
With just two days to the D-Day, All Progressives Congress (APC) has turned Ekpoma, the heartbeat of Esan West in Edo Central Senatorial District of Edo State, into a formidable political stronghold.
This was as Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, APC Edo Central Senatorial candidate Hon. Joe Ikpea, and key Edo Central leaders hosted a groundbreaking campaign that appears to have dazzled opposition parties ahead of Saturday, August 16, 2025, senatorial by-election.
The Campaign tagged APC’s grand finale rally in Ekpoma, was reportedly described as a large political gathering.
According to analysts, the large turnout underscored the APC’s growing popularity, dominance in a region historically controlled by the PDP.
The New Diplomat’s reporter on ground in Edo Central reports that on Thursday, Ekpoma’s streets were flooded with a crowd of APC supporters, traditional groups, and residents, who spoke with a united voice in support of the Party’s Senatorial candidate, Hon Hoe Ikpea.
The rally, which was a vibrant display of political might, featured prominent APC figures, who all declared support for Ikpea.
Governor Okpebholo, who vacated the Edo Central senatorial seat after his 2024 gubernatorial victory, used occasion to drum support for Hon Joe Ikpea. He also flayed the PDP.
“The PDP was never interested in developing our state. They were purely transactional,” Okpebholo declared.
He urged voters to turn out massively to vote for the APC, saying the by-election is a crucial move toward consolidating power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The New Diplomat reports that this comes as Ikpea’s reputation has gained momentum and grassroots appeal.
Ikpea’s political journey has a rich intersection of community service, public spiritedness, and exceptional accomplishments that marvel all, including his political rivals and peers.
Ikpea’s political trajectory has enabled him to touch lives in Edo Central, engage in awesome community development and transformation, as well as construct lasting positive legacies. He was the one-time Chairman of the Edo State Library Board during the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.
He was also a member of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) under the administration of former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He was also a one-time Esan South East Local Government Council chairman. He also served as a Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas during the first tenure of the erstwhile Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
