- INEC set to fill Okpebholo, Ubah, Idahosa’s seats
- APC chieftain alleges plot by PDP to upturn Okpebholo’s victory
The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to organise by-elections to fill the vacant Senate seats in Edo Central and Anambra South.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, made this announcement during Tuesday’s plenary while officially declaring both seats vacant.
The Edo Central seat became vacant in December 2024 after Monday Okpebholo was sworn in as the Governor of Edo State in November.
Similarly, the Anambra South seat has remained empty since the passing of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in July 2024.
INEC had previously stated in January 2025 that it was waiting for an official request from the Senate before proceeding with the Anambra South by-election.
During a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the International Press Centre in Awka, Anambra State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Agu, confirmed that INEC was yet to receive this request.
With both senatorial districts currently unrepresented, Akpabio urged INEC to conduct the elections as soon as possible to ensure the affected constituencies have proper representation in the Senate.
Edo bigwigs battle for Okpebholo’s senate seat
THE POINT gathered that political parties and gladiators in Edo State are getting ready for the next battle as the stakeholders are not leaving any stone unturned in their quest to get their party’s nod and eventually win the election.
According to sources, those ready to vie for the tickets of the parties are not leaving anything to chance, as they had commenced consultations with party leaders and their supporters, in the hope that the “pie will fall their way.”
Beyond consultations, an underground campaign has begun with aspirants moving around their constituencies to sell their programmes to the electorate.
Sources added that what makes the election more intriguing is that the animosity between the two leading parties, the APC and the People’s Democratic Party, has yet to subside and appears to be worsening by the day.
The APC’s victory in the governorship election is currently being contested at the tribunal, which was relocated to Abuja due to the daily skirmishes between leaders and members of the parties.
The aspirants
For the Senate seat, the likes of John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, and Joe Ikpea, have signified their interests.
Itulah, a PDP member, former House of Representatives member, and former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, said he had commenced consultations with members of his constituency and expressed confidence given his political experience.
He said, “I was elected in 1999 to the state House of Assembly under the PDP and was re-elected in 2003, becoming the Speaker of the House of Assembly. In 2007, I was elected to the House of Representatives, where I served two terms. I have always been involved in the legislative process, a responsibility I am deeply passionate about. Representing my people in the Senate is the next step for me.
“I have met with the ward executives in the five local government areas of the senatorial district. I have also published and shared details of my achievements while in the House of Representatives. I began a tour of the five LGs in the senatorial district. I am doing everything possible to secure the ticket.”
Meanwhile, former Esan North East Local Government Area chairman, John Yakubu, also of the PDP, expressed confidence in securing his party’s ticket.
He said, “You asked about getting my party’s nomination, but I can tell you that putting myself forward was not solely my decision. Party leaders and supporters are working to ensure my participation in the election. I am confident of my party’s backing. I believe the party is only waiting for INEC to release the timetable before setting the election process in motion.
“We are reaching out to the people, engaging them regarding our plans and vision. Since a date has not yet been announced, it would be inappropriate to start full-scale politicking. For now, we are consulting with members of our great party on how to approach the election.
“We will hold off on open politicking for now, but I am confident the party will entrust me with the ticket, knowing that I have the experience and have been a foundation member of the PDP.”
Joe Ikpea, contesting under the APC, is a former chairman of Esan South East and a former commissioner under Senator Adams Oshiomhole.
He said he was prepared for the race and had been engaging with the people of the senatorial district to garner their support.
“It is God who ultimately decides who gets the party’s ticket, but I am ready for the race and have been consulting with party leaders and members to gain their support,” he added.
While the leading parties are perfecting plans to put their best candidates forward, some of the candidates are upbeat about their chances and the need to get the process right.
For the House of Representatives, the likes of Omosede Igbinedion and Charity Amayaenvbo have been touted for the position. Also, Lucy Omagbon is the only one who has signified interest in PDP.
Amayaenvbo said his qualities would stand him out as he remains upbeat about securing the party’s ticket in a level-playing field contest.
He said, “I have three core qualities that can stand me out among other aspirants in my party. In terms of performance, I think I have the best result so far in the party. Using the last election as a yardstick, I recorded the best result both at unit and ward levels in the whole of the federal constituency.
“If it were in an exam situation, naturally the person that comes first will be promoted automatically and in this case, that would be me, I should be given the ticket without so much stress. I have been winning my ward in Ovia Federal Constituency.
“Secondly, I always carry the people along. It is not just me and my supporters achieving this alone, but also the leadership in the wards, which is why we have been able to deliver for the APC.
“The other one is loyalty in the sense that I have been an APC member from inception, and I have not jumped a party. Under former Governor Godwin Obaseki, while he was still in the APC, I was the Executive Director of Income Tax, Edo State Internal Revenue. I was disengaged because I refused to move to the PDP with the former governor. For me, that is the height of loyalty to a party I believe in. I have also worked and thrived in public and private practice.”
When asked if he could win if there is a level playing field, he said, “The field will be made level for all the aspirants. My party is a democratic one, the field will be made level and by God’s grace, I will win the ticket.”
Image makers of the APC, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, and the PDP, Chris Nehikhare, are already talking tough and expressing optimism that their candidates will emerge victorious in the election.
Uwadiae-Igbinigie said although the timetable was yet to be released, there was nothing wrong with people indicating their interest.
He noted that the APC was still basking in the euphoria of its victory in last year’s governorship election and expressed hope that the good works of Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Idahosa, would sway victory in his party’s favour.
He noted that acceptability and competence would be major yardsticks to determine who would emerge as party aspirants for both elections.
He said, “Though INEC has not released the timetable, people can indicate interest. The fact remains that the party cannot begin to look at candidates, as we do not have the working tools to decide who the candidates will be. We are still basking in the euphoria of our victory at the governorship poll. That in itself is a factor that will determine who the candidates are.
“Those areas where we will have the by-elections are very strategic to our party. One of the elections will take place in the governor’s constituency, while the other will be held in the deputy governor’s constituency. Therefore, whatever happens must be considered in the overall interest of the party. The governor cannot afford to lose his senatorial district, and the deputy governor will also want to secure victory in his federal constituency. These are very crucial.
“Also, acceptability and competence will be key factors in selecting the party’s candidates. Those who wish to run with the support of the governor and his deputy must be ready to serve the people. The deputy governor was called ‘Mr. Project’ during his time in the House of Representatives, while the governor, in his short time in the Senate, surpassed the achievements of all those who had represented the zone since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
“So these are things the party must take cognisance of in electing who will fly its flag. However, with the good job the governor is doing in the state, our candidates will have the support of the electorate.”
For Nehikhare, the PDP’s victory in those areas in the governorship election showed that the party is popular and can win both the senatorial and House of Representatives seats. He said the party’s aspirants and eventual candidates would have tangible achievements to present to the electorate as evidence of the PDP’s contributions to the state.
He added, “As you well know, our party is the most organised in the state and we have sensitised our members in those areas where the by-elections will take place. Also, many of our members have indicated an interest in running for those positions and, as you will expect, they have been going to villages, wards and units in those areas to talk to party members about the need to have their backing.
“It is even easier for aspirants because wherever they go, they have projects completed by the party to showcase. They know the party is well-structured and ready for the election; we are just waiting for INEC to release the timetable.
“The only criterion to participate in the election is to be a party member. Other members in those areas will now decide who gets the party tickets and become the candidates. As the Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo State PDP, several people have talked to me about their aspirations. However, we will have to wait for the release of the timetable.”
Who replaces Ifeanyi Ubah in Anambra South?
The vacancy existing in Anambra South senatorial district following the death of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah since July 27, 2024 is generating ripples in the whole of Anambra State.
Although INEC is yet to officially announce the date for the by-election, politicians from the zone across party divides are already making wide consultations for the seat.
In All Progressives Grand Alliance, there are more than five aspirants, including Akai Egwuonwu, Paschal Agbodike, Ebuka Onunkwo and Jude Emecheta.
The All Progressive Congress has Obinna Ụzọ, Azuka Okwuosa and others as the senatorial aspirants.
Also, Peter Ekwueme is contesting under the platform of New Nigeria Peoples Party.
For the PDP and Young Progressive Party, it is not yet clear if it would feature in the election or not.
Anambra South district is divided into three blocs namely, Old Aguata Union, Old Nnewi and Old Ihiala. Old Aguata comprises the current Aguata, Ọrumba North and Ọrumba South LGAs, whereas Old Nnewi has Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Council Areas, and Ihiala bloc with the present Ihiala Council Area.
OAU bloc produced Senators Ugochukwu Uba (2003-2007) and Senator Andy Uba (2011-2019); Old Nnewi bloc had Senators Nnamdi Eriobuna (1999-2003), Ikechukwu Obiora (2007-2011) and Ifeanyi Ubah (2019-2024).
Akai Egwuonwu
Egwuonwu is an entrepreneur, businessman and owner of Anambra Rice Mill Limited which produces Anambra Rice Stine Rice Gold & Heroes Gold.
The last son of Chief and Mrs Egwuonwu, founders of famous Odiche bread that reigned in 1950s and early 1960s, hails from Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra state.
With his relationship with late Senator Ubah, Akai believes that he is the fit for the position with his business acumen, connection and other qualities.
He has promised to also leverage on technology in combating insecurity as Ubah did.
Unfortunately, his relationship with Ubah might also mar his chances of securing the APGA ticket given the fact that the relationship between him and Governor Soludo has been that of cat and dog.
Paschal Agbodike
Agbodike is the current member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives. Although a first timer at the National Assembly, the two-term State House of Assembly member hails from Mbosi Community in Ihiala LGA.
It was learnt that most stakeholders in Ihiala are behind him but his chances of winning the seat under APGA could be slim if he eventually emerges as the party’s flag bearer.
Ebuka Ọnụnkwo
Ọnụnkwo is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Seahorse Lubricants Industries LTD. He is into several businesses as well, extending to Benin Republic and other parts of the world.
He is unknown in the zone although with a popular brand. It would take only the popularity of APGA for him to win the by-election.
Obinna Uzoh
Managing Director/CEO of GOCUZ companies LTD, Uzoh is from Ihiala Community, Ihiala LGA. He has contested the Senate and governorship elections in the state under the Labour Party, United Nigeria People Party and PDP, among others.
Azuka Okwuosa
Like Obinna Uzoh, Azuka Okwuosa is not new in the politics of Anambra State. The Oraifite-born politician from Ekwusigo LGA has aspired for various political offices including governorship and senatorial seats under the platforms of APC, PDP, APGA and others.
He is a former Anambra State Commissioner for Works and Transport (1999 to 2001), and had also served as Chairman of Nnewi North LGA (1994 to 1996) before the creation of Ekwusigo LGA).
APC chieftain alleges plot by PDP to upturn Okpebholo’s victory
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the ruling APC in Edo State, Edo Osahon, has alleged that plans by the PDP in the state to use some traditional rulers in the South West to get the Presidency’s support have fallen flat.
According to Osahon, as part of a last-ditch effort to sway the outcome of the tribunal judgment, the Edo PDP also attempted to enlist the support of the traditional rulers to seek an audience with President Bola Tinubu with a view to negotiating a favourable outcome at the tribunal.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, Osahon said, “This desperate bid and surprising turn of events by the PDD and its candidate have ultimately fallen flat, according to our sources.”
According to him, PDP leaders have been visiting traditional palaces to help persuade the daughter of President Tinubu to reach her father, seeking to leverage the influence of the president to sway the tribunal’s decision.
“What we know is that such a plan cannot work. Nobody can influence the tribunal which is made of erudite jurists.
“Those hoping to get to our president to help with their case are on a fruitless journey. Mr President has always allowed processes and systems to work,” Osahon said.
He added that, “Before long, it was learned that there is a new plan again to disrupt the Tribunal sitting in Abuja, owing to what is perceived as the inability of their witnesses who failed to present proof that they won the election.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission declared Okpebholo the winner of the September 21, 2024, election after securing 291,667 votes against Ighodalo of the PDP, who polled 247,274 votes.
However, after rejecting the results announced by the INEC, approached the tribunal to challenge the outcome.
On Wednesday, January 17, 2025, Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member 2024 Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal commenced a full hearing of the seven petitions challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, as the winner of the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election.