By joshua 
Ogbeide-Ihama Leads Edo South APC Senatorial Primary With 27,154 Votes
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin city
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, emerged with a commanding lead in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Edo South Senatorial District primary election held on Monday, 18 May across the seven local government areas in the district.
The results were announced at Urhokpota Hall, Benin City, by the Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee for Edo South Senatorial District, Mohammed Ajana, after ward-by-ward collated results were presented by local government collation officers.
Ajana said the results would be transmitted to the national secretariat of the party, which is expected to formally declare the winner of the primary election.
According to the figures announced, Ogbeide-Ihama polled a total of 27,154 votes to defeat Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, who scored 6,785 votes, while Senator Neda Imasuen garnered 13,580 votes.
In Oredo Local Government Area, Ogbeide-Ihama secured 3,950 votes, ahead of Ize-Iyamu’s 986 votes and Imasuen’s 1,974 votes.
At Ikpoba-Okha, Ogbeide-Ihama recorded 5,517 votes, while Ize-Iyamu polled 1,378 votes and Imasuen scored 2,759 votes.
In Egor Local Government Area, the former lawmaker garnered 4,226 votes, with Ize-Iyamu polling 1,056 votes and Imasuen obtaining 2,114 votes.
Results from Orhionmwon showed Ogbeide-Ihama with 3,058 votes, while Ize-Iyamu secured 765 votes and Imasuen polled 1,529 votes.
In Ovia South-West, Ogbeide-Ihama scored 4,263 votes to defeat Ize-Iyamu, who got 1,065 votes, while Imasuen recorded 2,131 votes.
At Ovia North-East, Ogbeide-Ihama polled 3,514 votes, ahead of Ize-Iyamu’s 878 votes and Imasuen’s 2,759 votes.
In Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Ogbeide-Ihama scored 2,626 votes, while Ize-Iyamu polled 657 votes and Imasuen secured 1,314 votes.
Party faithful and supporters who thronged the collation venue erupted in jubilation following the announcement of the results, while security personnel maintained order around the premises.
The APC national secretariat is expected to make an official declaration on the outcome of the primary in line with party procedures.