Four “Honourable Aspirants” eye vacant Edo Central senatorial seat By Innocent Okoh

As the stage is set for the 2025 Edo Central Senatorial by-election, several aspirants have continued to showcase their exceptional qualities, vying for the attention of delegates from their respective political parties.

The ultimate goal is to emerge as candidates for the election, whose date is yet to be announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Among the aspirants who have expressed interest in the Senatorial position are four prominent politicians who have made significant contributions to their constituencies and Local Government Areas. They are:

– Hon. Friday Itulah, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

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– Hon. Sergius Ogun, Labour Party (LP)

– Hon. Joseph Ikpea, All Progressives Congress (APC)

– Hon. John Yakubu, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

All four aspirants have demonstrated their commitment to actualizing their political ambitions.

*Hon. Friday Itulah’s Profile*

Friday Obomezele Itulah, from Uromi in Esan North East LGA of Edo State, is a seasoned Nigerian politician, legal practitioner, and former two-timspeakerer of the Edo State House of Assembly. He served as memberer of the House of Representatives, National Assembly, representing Esan North-East/Esan South-East from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure, he facilitated several projects, including health facilities and boreholes, earning him respect in his hometown, Uromi.

Itulah had previously aspired for the Senatorial seat in 2023 but was edged out by Senator Clifford Ordia. He also contested for thgovernorshipip election in 2024 but stepped down due to party decisions. This time, he is determined to secure the Senatorial seat, facing strong competition from Hon. John Yakubu in the primary election.

*Hon. Sergius Ogun’s Profile*

Hon. Sergius Oseasochie Ogun, from Ugboha in Esan South East LGA, is a formememberer of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Esan North East/South East Federal Constituency. He holds a degree from Auchi Polytechnic and furthered his education at the University of Benin. Before venturing into politics, Ogun worked in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Ogun’s passion for education, healthcare, wealth creation, youth, and women empowerment led to the establishment of the Sergius Oseasochie Ogun Foundation (SOOF) in 2007. The foundation has consistently engaged in annual empowerment programs, benefiting over 50,000 people in the past decade.

As a dedicated public servant, Ogun focused on infrastructure development in his constituency, recognizing the importance of basic amenities like roads and healthcare facilities. Under his leadership, significant progress was made in constructing new roads, establishing a fire service station, and improving primary healthcare services.

*Hon. Joseph Ikpea’s Profile*

Hon. Dr. Joseph Ikpea, from Ewatto in Esan South East LGA, served as Esan South East Local Government council chairman from 2013 to 2016 and as Edo State Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas. In 2015, he contested for the House of Representatives election under the APC but lost to Hon. Sergius Ogun.

Ikpea possesses extensive knowledge of the oil and gas industry and is renowned for his philanthropic efforts, which have positively impacted his community and Esan land as a whole.

*Hon. John Yakubu’s Profile*

Hon. John Yakubu, a formechairmanan of Esan North East Local Government Area, was the running mate of Osagie Ize-Iyamu in the 2016 Edo State gubernatorial election. Born in Uromi on June 21, 1965, Yakubu is a Christian and a tireless philanthropist.

Yakubu studieaccountancycy at Auchi Polytechnic and holds an MBA from the University of Benin. He has worked as an accountant and performed marketing and public relations functions. Yakubu runs a chain of businesses in Benin City and is an active member of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers (NALPGAM).

In his service to the community, Yakubu served as President of the Uromi Youth Movement and the Esan League of Youths, promoting the interests of Esan people.