The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has cleared aspirants for its July 21, 2025, party primaries ahead of the August 16, 2025, National Assembly bye elections for Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency.
According to a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the state caretaker committee, Chris Nehikhare, on Sunday, those cleared for the Edo Central Senatorial ticket include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, and Joe Okojie.
He noted that for the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, only one aspirant, Johnny Aikpitanyi, was cleared as the party’s sole candidate.
Festus Edogun was, however, not cleared by the party to contest for the Edo Central Senatorial District ticket.
Edogun was said to have bought the form from PDP headquarters in Abuja, and he was asked to bring the proof of purchase of the form to the appeal committee.
The aspirants were screened on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at the state party secretariat in Benin by a five-man panel appointed by the PDP National Working Committee.
The committee is chaired by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with 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, 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.
“I am confident of winning. 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.”
