By Attah Ede
The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Julius Ihonvbere, has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Owan Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The primary election, conducted on Saturday, was won by former Commissioner for Mining, Andrew Ijegbai.
The result was announced shortly after the exercise by the returning officer, Kelvin Muhammed.
From the official results released at the collation centre, Ijegbai secured 3,695 votes to emerge winner of the contest while Ihonvbere scored 1,005 votes.
Abdul Oroh gathered 1,740 votes with Folly scoring 505 votes, and Barrister Scot received 642 votes.
A total of 7,587 votes were cast in the primary election.
Declaring the result, the returning officer stated: “Andrew Ijegbai scored 3,695 votes. Honourable Abdul Oroh scored 1,740 votes while Professor Julius Ihonvbere scored 1,005 votes. Honourable Folly scored 505 votes. Barrister Scot scored 642 votes. Total votes cast is 7,587 and the winner of this contest is Honourable Andrew Ijegbai.”
In his remarks after the announcement, Ijegbai commended party executives for what he described as a transparent and credible process.
He pledged to represent the people of Owan Federal Constituency effectively if elected at the general election.
The outcome marks a significant political development within the APC in Edo State, as preparations continue for the 2027 general elections.
