The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared several aspirants ahead of its July 21, 2025, primaries for the upcoming National Assembly bye-elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, scheduled for August 16, 2025.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the Publicity Secretary of the state caretaker committee, Chris Nehikhare, three aspirants—John Yakubu, Friday Itulah, and Joe Okojie—have been cleared to contest the Edo Central Senatorial ticket.
For the Ovia Federal Constituency seat, only one aspirant, Johnny Aikpitanyi, was cleared and will run unopposed as the PDP candidate.
Festus Edogun was not cleared to contest for the Edo Central Senatorial seat. He reportedly purchased his nomination form from the PDP headquarters in Abuja and has been asked to present proof of purchase to the party’s appeal committee.
The screening exercise was conducted on Tuesday, July 15, at the state party secretariat in Benin City by a five-member panel appointed by the PDP National Working Committee. The panel was chaired by Prof. Okumoko Tubo Pearce, with Chinomso Odoemelan as secretary. Other members included Inemo Dede, Evelyn Promise, and David Omare.
Certificates of clearance were officially presented to the qualified aspirants on Friday, July 18, at the PDP Secretariat in Benin.
Speaking after receiving his certificate, Aikpitanyi thanked the screening panel for their professionalism and fairness.
“I want to sincerely thank the screening committee for their professionalism, fairness, and diligence. With this clearance, we are set for the task ahead,” he said.
He expressed confidence in winning the election, pledging to deliver quality representation and focus on grassroots development in Ovia.
“With the overwhelming support of our people, we will make Ovia shine again—and shine even brighter.”