By Abiola Olawale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Dr. Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Edo Central Senatorial by-election held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
The announcement was made by Returning Officer Prof. Kingsley Omo-Iwoze in the early hours of Sunday at the collation center in Ubiaja, Esan South-East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Omo-Iwoze declared Ikpea’s victory with 105,129 votes, defeating his closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 15,146 votes.
“This is the declaration. I, Prof. Omo-Iwoze, hereby certify that I am the Returning Officer for the 2025 Edo Central Senatorial District bye election, held on the 16th day of August, 2024.
“That Ikpea Joseph of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner of the election,” Omo-Iwoze said.
In a statement following his victory, Ikpea dedicated the win to God and the people of Edo Central, emphasizing their choice of “vision over sentiment” and “progress over politics-as-usual.”
He pledged to focus on legislation and interventions in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and strengthening traditional institutions.
He said: “This victory reaffirms the people’s faith in our capacity to deliver. I will not disappoint them.
“I will work hand in hand with our governor, our party, and community leaders to ensure that every part of Edo Central feels the impact of quality representation.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo is a leader of exceptional qualities, strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people. His support has been a stabilising force throughout this journey.”
The New Diplomat reports that the by-election was necessitated by the vacancy of the Edo Central senatorial seat following the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Edo State Governor in September 2024.
Ikpea, a former Chairman of Esan South-East Local Government Council, emerged as the APC candidate after securing 1,905 votes in the party’s primary, defeating his sole rival, Glory Oziegbe Momodu.
