Edo INEC By-Election clears 9 political parties for August 16 poll, BVAS ready. INEC urges PVC collection as over 101k cards remain unclaimed

Edo INEC By-Election is set to feature nine political parties on August 16, 2025, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed its readiness to conduct a transparent vote in Edo State.

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The by-election will fill the Edo Central Senatorial and Ovia Federal Constituency seats, vacated after Senator Monday Okpebholo and Hon. Dennis Idahosa emerged as Governor and Deputy Governor in the 2024 governorship election.

INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo, Professor Anugbum Onuoha, announced in Benin City that nine parties met the Commission’s guidelines by inviting INEC to monitor their primaries.

The cleared parties include the APC, PDP, NNPP, ZLP, ADC, and four others.

Initially, 14 parties expressed interest, but five failed to comply. Some didn’t notify INEC or blocked access to venues, disqualifying themselves.

Professor Onuoha assured that BVAS machines have been configured, and non-sensitive materials deployed. However, he raised concerns over 101,617 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from 719,504 registered voters across seven LGAs—an issue that could impact turnout.

Dismissing PDP’s call for his redeployment, Onuoha emphasized INEC’s tamper-proof structure, saying, “Even if you bring your brother, he can’t manipulate the system.”

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As the Edo INEC By-Election nears, stakeholders are urged to support a credible and fair democratic process.