The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) embarked on a crucial step in its preparations for the upcoming Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency bye-elections. On Thursday, the party successfully conducted ward congresses, culminating in the election of 222 ad-hoc delegates. This exercise marks a significant milestone in the party’s internal democratic process, laying the groundwork for the selection of candidates who will represent the PDP in the forthcoming bye-elections scheduled for August 16, 2025, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The chosen delegates will play a pivotal role in the primaries slated for July 21, 2025, where they will cast their votes to determine the party’s flagbearers for the respective legislative seats.
Overseeing the ward congresses was a committee specifically appointed by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) in Abuja. The committee, chaired by Prof. Okumoko Pearce, with Chinomso Odoemelan serving as Secretary, comprised other members, including Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare. This committee ensured the smooth and transparent conduct of the congresses, adhering to the party’s guidelines and regulations. The elected delegates represent a diverse cross-section of the party’s membership within the affected constituencies, reflecting the grassroots strength and widespread support enjoyed by the PDP in Edo State.
The distribution of the elected delegates reflected the demographic spread of the constituencies involved. A total of 153 delegates were elected from the Edo Central Senatorial District, while 69 delegates emerged from the Ovia Federal Constituency. This allocation underscores the party’s commitment to proportional representation and ensures that all areas within the constituencies have a voice in the selection of their representatives. The selection of these delegates signifies the first step towards the ultimate goal of winning the bye-elections and reinforcing the PDP’s presence in the National Assembly.
Following the successful completion of the ward congresses, the next phase in the PDP’s electoral roadmap is the local government congress, scheduled for July 18, 2025. This congress will focus on the election of national delegates who will participate in the subsequent primaries. The primaries themselves will be organized by the NWC on July 21, 2025. The outcomes of these events will determine the individuals who will carry the PDP’s banner into the bye-elections, contesting against candidates from other political parties.
The Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed immense satisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the ward congresses. He lauded the impressive turnout of party members, describing it as a testament to the unity and strength of the PDP in the state. Aziegbemi commended the peaceful and orderly manner in which the congresses were conducted, emphasizing the commitment of party members to upholding democratic principles and ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. He attributed the success of the ward congresses to the unwavering support and loyalty of the party members, expressing gratitude for their active participation.
Looking ahead to the national delegate congresses and the subsequent bye-elections in August, Aziegbemi urged party members to maintain the same level of enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated during the ward congresses. He expressed confidence in the PDP’s prospects for victory in both the Edo Central and Ovia constituencies, citing their historical significance as PDP strongholds. Aziegbemi highlighted the trust and support that the people have consistently placed in the PDP, urging them to come out en masse and vote for the party’s candidates in the bye-elections. He emphasized the party’s dedication to providing quality representation in the National Assembly and fulfilling the aspirations of the people. Aziegbemi also reiterated the party’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent primaries, ensuring the emergence of credible and competent candidates who will effectively represent the party’s interests in the National Assembly. He emphasized the importance of selecting candidates who possess the requisite qualities and experience to deliver effective representation and contribute meaningfully to the legislative process.
