The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday, held its ward congresses to elect ad-hoc delegates ahead of the party primaries for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency by-elections.
The congress was organised by the committee set up by the National Working Committee of the PDP in Abuja.
Members of the committee include Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce as Chairman and Arc Chinomso Odoemelan as Secretary. Other members are Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
The Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr Tony Aziegbemi, who disclosed this to journalists in Benin shortly after the congresses, said a total of 222 ad-hoc delegates were elected from the wards, including 153 from Edo Central Senatorial District and 69 from Ovia Federal Constituency.
He noted that the party will, on 18 July 2025, organise the local government congress to elect national delegates for the primaries scheduled to take place on 21 July 2025.
The primaries will also be organised by the National Working Committee of the PDP.
The primaries will produce candidates to fly the party’s flag for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency bye-elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had recently announced 16 August 2025 as the date for the bye-elections to fill the two legislative seats at the National Assembly.
Aziegbemi expressed appreciation to PDP members in the various wards for coming out en masse to peacefully participate in the congresses, describing it as a reflection of the unity and strength of the party.
He noted, “I want to sincerely thank our party members for their orderly conduct and massive turnout during the ward congresses.
“They have continued to stand by the party, and this remains a great source of pride and encouragement. We were impressed with today’s turnout and extend our utmost appreciation to them for their unwavering commitment, loyalty, and support.”
He further urged all members to replicate the same spirit and turnout during the national delegate congresses, as well as during the bye-elections scheduled for August 2025.
Aziegbemi, however, expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances of victory at the poll, noting, “We are confident that the PDP will emerge victorious in both Edo Central and Ovia, because these are traditional strongholds of our party.
“The people know us, they trust the PDP, and have always stood with us. We urge them to come out en masse and vote, so that we can reclaim the seats and once again deliver quality representation to the National Assembly.”
He also reaffirmed the party’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and transparent primaries and to present credible and competent candidates who will fly the party’s flag at the by-elections.
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