The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s Edo State has finalized its candidates for two critical legislative by-elections, with former government official Prince Joe Okojie clinching the party’s ticket for the Edo Central Senatorial District race. Okojie, previously serving as Commissioner and Special Adviser on Agriculture and Food Security, secured the nomination after a competitive primary election on July 21, 2025, in Ubiaja, part of Esan South-East Local Government. His victory sets the stage for a closely watched contest ahead of the August 16 vote to fill the vacant Senate seat.
The senatorial primary saw Okojie overcome challenges from two prominent contenders: John Yakubu, a former Chairman of Esan North-East Local Government Council, and Friday Itulah, an ex-House of Representatives member for Esan South-East/Esan North-East Federal Constituency. While official vote counts were not disclosed, party officials described the process as orderly and reflective of internal democratic norms.
In parallel, the PDP confirmed Johnny Aikpitanyi as its sole candidate for the Ovia Federal Constituency by-election in the House of Representatives. Aikpitanyi, running unopposed, was formally approved during a screening exercise at the party’s state secretariat in Benin City. His uncontested nomination streamlines the PDP’s campaign efforts in Ovia, a constituency where the party aims to retain its legislative foothold.
Chris Nehikhare, spokesperson for the PDP’s caretaker committee in Edo State, issued a statement affirming the transparency of both selection processes. The party emphasized its commitment to fielding “credible and experienced representatives” ahead of the twin by-elections, which are seen as pivotal for maintaining political influence in southern Nigeria’s legislative landscape.
The Edo Central Senate seat became vacant following the resignation of its previous holder, whose departure has not been publicly detailed. Similarly, the Ovia Federal Constituency election was triggered by the incumbent’s exit, underscoring the potential for shifts in regional representation. With Nigeria’s political parties often leveraging by-elections to consolidate power, the outcomes could signal broader voter sentiment ahead of future polls.
Analysts note the PDP’s strategic focus on candidates with local government experience, a pattern reflecting efforts to align with community priorities such as agricultural development and infrastructure—key issues in Edo’s largely rural constituencies. As campaigns intensify, observers will monitor how party affiliations and candidate profiles resonate in districts where voter turnout and intra-party cohesion historically influence results.
