The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Edo central senatorial by-election.
Kingsley Omo-Iwoze, returning officer for the election, announced the result in the early hours of Sunday.
Omo-Iwoze said Ikpea polled 105,129 votes to defeat Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 15,146 votes.
Ikpea dedicated the victory to God and the people of the district “who have chosen vision over sentiment, progress over politics-as-usual”.
“This victory reaffirms the people’s faith in our capacity to deliver. I will not disappoint them,” he said.
“I will work hand in hand with our governor, our party, and community leaders to ensure that every part of Edo central feels the impact of quality representation.”
The senator-elect praised Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, and described him as “a leader of exceptional qualities, strategic, selfless, and deeply connected to the people”.
He promised to focus on legislation and interventions in infrastructure, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and the strengthening of traditional institutions.
The Edo central seat became vacant after Okpebholo, who previously held the position, was elected governor of the state in September 2024.
