Dr. Joseph Ikpea of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the winner of the Edo Central Senatorial by-election held on August 16, 2025. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results in the early hours of Sunday, with Ikpea securing 105,129 votes. His closest rival, Joe Okojie of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 15,146 votes .
The seat became vacant following the election of Monday Okpebholo, the former senator for Edo Central, as governor of Edo State in September 2024 .
In his acceptance speech, Ikpea dedicated his victory to God and the people of the district, emphasizing that voters had chosen “vision over sentiment” and “progress over politics-as-usual.”
He pledged to collaborate with Governor Okpebholo, party leaders, and community stakeholders to ensure that every part of Edo Central benefits from quality representation. Ikpea outlined his legislative priorities to include infrastructure development, youth empowerment, education, healthcare, and the strengthening of traditional institutions .
Ikpea’s victory marks a significant political development in Edo State, as he prepares to assume the senatorial seat vacated by Governor Okpebholo.