The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has screened aspirants contesting for the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency seats in preparation for the August 16, 2025, National Assembly by-elections.
Following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to fill the vacant seats, the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) constituted a five-member Screening Committee. The committee is chaired by Professor Okumoko Pearce, with Chinomso Odoemelan serving as Secretary. Other members include Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
The aspirants screened for the Edo Central Senatorial District include John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, Joseph Okojie, and Festus Edogun. For the Ovia Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, Johnny Aikpitanyi was the sole aspirant screened.
During the screening held at the PDP state secretariat in Benin City, the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, welcomed the committee and aspirants. He assured party members of a transparent and credible primary process and dismissed concerns raised by opposition factions, affirming the legitimacy of the current party leadership.
