Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpeholo, has ‘relocated’ to Edo Central, his Senatorial District ahead of the August 16, 2025, senatorial by-election, to fill the post he vacated after being elected Governor last year.
The usual busy activities that characterize the seat of power seem to have slowed down considerably, as the governor and his political machinery have shifted focus to Edo Central to intensify grassroots mobilization.
The by-election is widely regarded as a litmus test for Governor Okpebholo’s popularity and political influence in his home zone, especially following the 2024 governorship election in which the PDP won three of the five local governments in the senatorial district.
Historically a PDP stronghold, Edo Central has posed challenges for the APC. However, Okpebholo defied the odds by winning the Senate seat in 2023 and later emerging as governor under the APC platform in 2024 though he lost the zone to the PDP.
As it were while the APC won two, the PDP won three out of the five local government areas that make up the senatorial zone. In the upcoming by-election, Hon. Joe Ikpea of the APC will face Prince Joe Okojie of the PDP in a fierce contest.
Despite APC’s control of key political structures in the district, PDP retains significant grassroots support, making the outcome unpredictable.
Governor Okpebholo, however, is somehow confident. Speaking at a campaign event, he said, “This is a test for 2027. I can tell you that 2027 is sure. Before then, there will be no opposition in Edo State anymore as all will join the APC because of the developmental achievements in the state.”
He also declared that his party would sweep the entire 51 wards across the five local government areas that make up the senatorial district. “Hon. Joseph Ikpea will take over from me in the Senate,” he affirmed.
The outcome of the Edo Central by-election is expected to reshape the political landscape of Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
