… Ovia by-election is APC’s 2027 test run – Idahosa

UROMI — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced that the State’s first flyover bridge will be completed by April 2026, four months ahead of the initial August deadline.

The Governor disclosed this during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Esan North-East Local Government Area ahead of the August 16 Edo Central Senatorial by-election. 

He said the project’s timeline had been reduced from 18 months to 14 months as part of his administration’s commitment to accelerating infrastructure delivery.

The rally, which covered all eleven wards of the council, also recorded mass defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party to the APC, boosting the ruling party’s momentum.

Okpebholo said his government was dualising the Ekpoma–Ubiaja Road and would commence other road projects after the rainy season. 

“Ekpoma Road was a death trap for everybody, but I ensured the road was awarded while I was still in the Senate. Today, a wonderful thing is going on there,” he said.

He credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Edo’s development drive, noting that the President’s understanding of the State’s needs had accelerated the delivery of key projects.

On water supply, the Governor announced the revival of the Ugboha Water Scheme, which has restored water distribution to Uromi and neighbouring communities.

With the by-election days away, Okpebholo urged constituents to vote for the APC candidate, Hon. Joseph Ikpea, to sustain the pace of development in Edo Central.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa weekend led the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team to Ovia South-West Local Government Area, urging voters to deliver a landslide win in the August 16 House of Representatives by-election for Ovia Federal Constituency.

Addressing supporters in Siluko, Umaza and Udo wards on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, Idahosa described the poll as a test run for the 2027 general elections. 

He charged residents to turn out en masse to strengthen Governor Okpebholo’s pledge of 2.5 million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

Highlighting Siluko’s strategic location as a border community with Ondo State, Idahosa promised that APC victory would translate to more development projects for the area. 

He appealed to voters to support Omosede Igbinedion, the party’s candidate and only female National Assembly aspirant from Edo State.

At Umaza Ward, he set an 80 percent vote target, while in Udo, he commended Igbinedion’s grassroots engagement. 

Igbinedion, in turn, praised Idahosa’s hands-on approach, noting that he had attracted projects such as street lighting in Ekiadolor during the campaign period.

Senator Neda Imasuen urged voters to return Igbinedion to the National Assembly, saying her experience would help address past lapses and improve project delivery. 

Edo Assembly member Hon. Sunday Aghedo said the election was a joint effort of former APC and PDP members now united under the ruling party.

Local government chairman, Hon. Nosakhare Edobor, expressed confidence in APC’s victory, citing the candidate’s capacity and strong grassroots support