APC Edo South Primary: Ogbeide-Ihama Emerges Winner as Stakeholders Warn Against Overturning Result

The All Progressives Congress primary election for Edo South Senatorial District has produced a winner, with former House of Representatives member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama securing the highest number of votes.

According to results from the exercise, Ogbeide-Ihama polled 27,154 votes, defeating incumbent Senator Neda Imasuen who came second with 13,580 votes, and former APC governorship candidate Osagie Ize-Iyamu who placed third with 6,785 votes.

Ogbeide-Ihama is described by party stakeholders as a politician capable of working effectively for the district while maintaining a productive relationship with Governor Monday Okpebholo and the party leadership.

Many party faithful believe the APC National Working Committee should respect the outcome of the primary and allow Ogbeide-Ihama to fly the party’s flag in the 2027 senatorial election.

However, supporters and agents of Ize-Iyamu have taken to social media platforms to criticise the outcome. Ize-Iyamu himself has reportedly called his supporters to order and cautioned them against using uncouth language against Governor Okpebholo.

Critics of Ize-Iyamu point to his past electoral record. He contested the Edo governorship election in 2016 under the PDP and lost, and returned in 2020 as the APC candidate only to lose again to former Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Some party stakeholders have expressed concerns that handing Ize-Iyamu the ticket could create internal tensions within the APC and undermine the stability of the Okpebholo administration.

Supporters of Ogbeide-Ihama argue that he possesses legislative experience, grassroots support, and a reputation for loyalty to the party and the governor. He is a former two-term member of the House of Representatives.

The APC National Working Committee now faces a decision on whether to uphold the primary result or intervene in the dispute.