Anthony Osarobo, 30, emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate for Ovia South-West Local Government on Friday, following a primary election held at the Iguobazuwa Community Town Hall. He secured 3,020 votes in a process described as "peaceful and orderly" by party officials. The Chairmanship and Councillorship Election Committee was led by Charity Amanyaevbo, Commissioner for Youth Affairs, who declared Osarobo the consensus candidate. Prof. Ikponmwonsa Omorodion, the Returning Officer, stated that the exercise reflected "consensus and unity within the party" and was conducted in a calm atmosphere. Albert Eguaoje, spokesman for the Edo Independent Electoral Commission, supervised the election and affirmed its credibility, noting that participants behaved orderly and the chosen aspirant won decisively. Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa praised Governor Monday Okpebholo's leadership for enabling a smooth process and described Osarobo as "committed, reliable and loyal." Osarobo pledged to align with the state government's SHINE Agenda if elected, promising grassroots development. Outgoing chairman Nosakhare Edobor urged political stakeholders to uphold party supremacy and support developmental strategies.
A 30-year-old winning a local government ticket is notable, but Osarobo's alignment with the governor's SHINE Agenda suggests his campaign will mirror state-level politics more than local needs. If elected, his ability to deliver change will depend less on youthfulness and more on access to state resources. This primary didn't challenge power structures—it reinforced them.
