APC Edo SWC Ratifies Hon. Joe Ikpea as Senatorial Bye-Election Candidate, Moves to Enforce Party Discipline

The Edo State Working Committee (SWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has ratified the adoption of Hon. Joe Ikpea as the party’s official candidate for the forthcoming Edo Central Senatorial District bye-election.

The ratification was made during an extraordinary meeting of the SWC held on Friday, July 4, 2025, in Benin City, where key decisions aimed at strengthening party unity, internal cohesion, and political outreach across the state were reached.

The decision follows the earlier adoption of Ikpea by the APC Caucus in Edo Central Senatorial District during a meeting held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, in Benin City.

Confirming the development, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Prince Peter Uwadiae, in a statement made available to the media in Benin, said:

“In line with the Party’s commitment to inclusiveness and grassroots leadership, the SWC deliberated extensively on the bye-elections. The Vice Chairman of Edo Central Senatorial District, Hon. Esangbedo, formally informed the SWC that the caucus had unanimously endorsed Hon. Joe Ikpea. The SWC subsequently ratified his adoption via a voice vote.”

On developments in Edo South Senatorial District, the SWC was briefed by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Benson Edosomwan, who disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025, to resolve issues concerning the Ovia Federal Constituency. The SWC has fixed Tuesday, July 8, 2025, for final deliberations and ratification.

Moves to Enforce Discipline and Party Decorum

The SWC also deliberated on recent incidents of indiscipline involving some members in Oredo and Ovia South-West Local Government Areas, expressing concern over actions deemed injurious to the party’s image and internal cohesion.

Particularly, the SWC frowned at the conduct of Mrs. Stella Ogbetta over what it described as damaging social media publications against the party.

The State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, informed the SWC that the Oredo LGA Executive Committee had convened and recommended a six-month suspension for Mrs. Ogbetta.

“The SWC ratified this decision and resolved that upon the expiration of her suspension, Mrs. Ogbetta must tender a formal apology to the SWC, failing which she would face expulsion from the party,” the statement noted.

In contrast, the SWC acknowledged the remorse shown by Mrs. Mabirie in Ovia South-West and welcomed the intervention of the LGA leadership.

The SWC directed the Ovia South-West LGA Chairman to facilitate reconciliation among the concerned parties, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts toward the party’s success in the coming bye-elections.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the party’s commitment to fairness, discipline, inclusivity, and strategic unity as it prepares for both the senatorial and federal constituency bye-elections and future electoral contests across Edo State.