Edo PDP clears aspirants for July 21 Senate, House of Reps primary bye elections

By Titus Akhigbe

The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has successfully screened and cleared aspirants for its July 21st 2025 party primaries ahead of the August 16, 2025 National Assembly by-elections for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.

Those cleared for the Edo Central Senatorial ticket include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, and Joe Okojie.

For the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, only one aspirant, Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi, was screened and cleared as the party’s sole candidate.

Festus Edogun was however not cleared by party to contest for the Edo Central Senatorial District ticket.

The aspirants were screened on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the state party secretariat located at No. 20 Aiguobasimwin Street, GRA, Benin City, by a five-man panel appointed by the PDP National Working Committee.

The committee is chaired by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Arc. Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary. Other members include Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.

Members of the committee presented the certificates of clearance to the aspirants on Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Edo PDP Secretariat.

Speaking on behalf of other aspirants, Johnny Ikponmwosa Aikpitanyi after receiving his clearance certificate, commended members of the committee for their professionalism, diligence and fairness in the discharge of their duties.

He noted, “I want to sincerely thank members of the Screening Committee for their professionalism, fairness, and diligence in discharging their duties. With this clearance, we are set for the task ahead. I’m fully prepared to carry the PDP flag in Ovia, and with the overwhelming support of our people, we will secure victory and ensure the delivery of quality, purposeful representation to our constituents.”

He restated, “I am confident to win. Together, with the support of my people, we will make Ovia shine again, and shine even brighter. We will focus on grassroots development and Ovia the envy of all.”