Ex-rep, former commissioners, media practitioner — top candidates in Edo south by-election

The race for the Edo central senatorial by-election will be concluded today and a winner is expected to emerge.

The senate declared the seat vacant after Monday Okpebholo, senator representing Edo central, won the September 2024 governorship election in the state.

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have fielded their candidates for the contest.

The Labour Party (LP) was disqualified after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the party failed to notify the commission of its primary and did not invite INEC to observe it.

Paul Okojie, who was initially announced as the LP candidate, will not participate in the election, according to the electoral body.

These are the candidates slugging it out on Saturday.

IDUMONZA ISIDAHOMHEN (SDP)

Isidahomhen, candidate of the SDP, is a seasoned media practitioner and publisher of OpenLife, a pan-African news magazine. He was an SDP governorship aspirant in the 2020 and 2024 elections, and he also secured 100 percent of the votes in the party’s primary for the by-election. He said children’s welfare would be central to his legislative agenda.

Though well-grounded politically, he is seen as lacking the financial muscle to match the other contenders.

SERGIUS OGUN (ADC)

Ogun, candidate of the ADC, is a two-term former member of the house of representatives. He was returned unopposed at the party’s primary in Uromi, Esan North-East LGA. Ogun has over 25 years of experience in Nigeria’s oil sector and holds a law degree from the University of Benin. He also attended Lagos Business School.

Analysts say his entry into the race could pose a challenge to the APC and PDP, as he is regarded as a grassroots politician.

JOE OKOJIE (PDP)

Okojie, candidate of the PDP, is a former commissioner and special adviser on agriculture and food security in Edo state. He won the party’s ticket at a primary held on July 21 in Ubiaja, polling 84 votes to defeat John Yakubu (52) and Friday Itulah, former two-time speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (21).

Okojie is known for scholarship and widow empowerment programmes that have benefited many constituents in Edo central. He has pledged to empower farmers through tools, improved seedlings, funding access, and agricultural training.

JOSEPH IKPEA (APC)

Ikpea, candidate of the APC, is a founding member of the party. He was adopted by the Edo central caucus at a meeting in Benin City on June 29. Ikpea is a former commissioner for minerals, oil and gas, and a former executive chairman of Esan South-East LGA. As a local government chairman, he earned praise for infrastructure projects, including schools, health centres, and council facilities.