The House of Representatives Leader, Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere, has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) direct primary for the Owan East/Owan West Federal Constituency of Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This followed the release of collated ward results from the primary election held on Saturday, May 16, which showed that Ihonvbere defeated other contenders in the race.
Ihonvbere, who currently represents Owan East/Owan West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and serves as House Leader, was said to have polled a total of 4,729 votes to clinch the APC ticket.
His closest rival, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, reportedly scored 2,912 votes, while Hon. Abdul Oroh came third with 29 votes.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the House Leader, Samson Akhanieme, who dismissed earlier media reports alleging that Ihonvbere lost the primary election.
Akhanieme described the reports as misleading, insisting that the ward-by-ward collated results confirmed Ihonvbere’s victory in the exercise conducted across the constituency.
According to him, two other aspirants — Hon. Foly Ogedengbe and Barr. Friday Ojealaro had earlier stepped down from the contest in support of Ihonvbere before the commencement of voting.
He added that copies of result sheets and video evidence from wards in Owan East and Owan West local government areas were made available to support the outcome announced by the camp of the House Leader.
Speaking after the exercise, Ihonvbere expressed appreciation to APC members, delegates and stakeholders across the constituency for their support and confidence in his leadership.
He also extended an olive branch to other aspirants, calling for unity within the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The lawmaker pledged to work closely with former contestants and party leaders to ensure victory for the APC in Edo State during the next electoral cycle.
