With just weeks to the August 16, 2025, by-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, political tension is heating up between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All-Progressives Congress (APC). The PDP fired the first salvo, demanding the immediate removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Anugbum Onuaha, and several electoral officers over alleged irregularities in the 2024 governorship election. PDP State Caretaker Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, said their involvement in the previous polls taints the integrity of the electoral process and could undermine public trust. He called on INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu to act swiftly, insisting that a credible election cannot be overseen by “tainted hands.”
But the APC hit back hard. In a sharp response, APC State Chairman Emperor Jarrett Tenebe dismissed the PDP’s demands as a sign of panic and political defeatism. According to him, the PDP’s “meltdown” is due to the rising popularity of Governor Monday Okpebholo, whose performance in just eight months has, in his words, “torn the PDP’s umbrella to shreds.” Tenebe hailed Okpebholo’s achievements in infrastructure, education, and security, claiming the APC is now the only party truly alive in Edo State. With the party’s candidates, Hon. Joe Ikpea and Hon. Omosede Igbinedion gearing up for the vacant Senate and House seats, Tenebe said Edo people are ready to vote en masse for continued development under APC leadership. As the date draws closer, all eyes remain on Edo, where the political battleground is already ablaze.
