Hon. Julius Ihonbvere, the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, has dismissed reports claiming he lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Owan East/Owan West federal constituency in Edo state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Samson Akhanieme, chief press secretary to the House Leader, described the reports as misleading.
Akhanieme said Ihonbvere won the APC direct primary conducted across the federal constituency on Saturday.
“The just concluded APC house of representatives primary for Owan federal constituency, Edo state held this Saturday, May 16th has been won by the leader, house of representatives and current member representing the federal constituency, Prof. Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere,” the statement reads.
According to the statement, Ihonbvere polled 4,729 votes to defeat Andrew Ijegbai, who secured 2,912 votes. Abdul Oroh came third with 29 votes.
“The overall votes cast in the electoral contest showed that Prof Ihonvbere polled 4,729 votes, while his closest rival, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai recorded a total of 2,912 votes, with Hon. Abdul Oroh coming a distant third after polling just 29 votes,” Akhanieme said.
He added that Foly Ogedengbe and Friday Ojealaro had earlier withdrawn from the race in support of Ihonbvere.
“Recall that Hon. Foly Ogedengbe and Barr. Friday Ojealaro had earlier stepped down from the race in solidarity with Prof. Ihonvbere,” he added.
Akhanieme said Ihonbvere thanked party members and stakeholders after the exercise and appealed for unity ahead of the general election.
“In a post-election interview, Prof. Ihonvbere solicited the continued support of all party members, adding that he is fully committed to working together with the other former aspirants to deliver total victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections,” the statement added.
