Documents Confirm House Leader, Ihonvbere Wonn Edo APC primary

By Christiana Ekpa

Fresh ward collated results from the just-concluded All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primary election for Owan East/Owan West Federal Constituency of Edo State have confirmed the victory of the House of Representatives Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, in the race for the party’s 2027 House of Representatives ticket.

Prof. Ihonvbere, who currently represents Owan East/Owan West Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, emerged winner of the primary conducted on Saturday, May 16, amid earlier reports in some sections of the media alleging that he lost the nomination contest.

However, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Samson Akhanieme, the reports were dismissed as false and misleading.

According to Akhanieme, the APC primary election was duly conducted across wards in the federal constituency and the collated results showed that Prof. Ihonvbere secured a clear victory over other aspirants in the contest.

“The just-concluded APC House of Representatives primary for Owan Federal Constituency, Edo State, held this Saturday, May 16, has been won by the Leader of the House of Representatives and current member representing the constituency, Prof. Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere,” the statement read.

He disclosed that Prof. Ihonvbere polled a total of 4,729 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, who scored 2,912 votes, while Hon. Abdul Oroh garnered 29 votes.

The statement further revealed that two aspirants, Hon. Foly Ogedengbe and Barr. Friday Ojealaro, had earlier withdrawn from the race in solidarity with the House Leader before the conduct of the primary.

Akhanieme also presented ward result sheets and video clips from different wards across Owan East and Owan West Local Government Areas as evidence of the outcome of the exercise.

Reacting after the election, Prof. Ihonvbere expressed appreciation to APC stakeholders, delegates and supporters for their confidence in him, while calling for unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also extended an olive branch to fellow aspirants, assuring that he remains committed to working with all party members to ensure victory for the APC in the forthcoming elections.