Anthony Osarobo, a 30-year-old, has won the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primary for Ovia South West Local Government Area in Edo State. The election took place at the Iguobazuwa community town hall, where Osarobo secured 3,020 votes. The chairmanship and councillorship election committee, led by Edo State Commissioner for Youth Affairs Hon. Charity Amanyaevbo, confirmed his victory. Prof. Ikponmwonsa Omorodion, Commissioner for Livestock Development and returning officer for Iguobazuwa West Ward 2, described the process as peaceful and consensus-driven, with delegates overwhelmingly backing Osarobo. Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) spokesperson Mr Albert Eguaoje, who oversaw the exercise, called it "very cordial, free and fair," noting orderly conduct and a smooth outcome.
Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa credited Governor Monday Okpebholo for enabling leadership, urging party members to unite behind Osarobo. He described the candidate as committed, reliable, and aligned with the governor's vision. Outgoing chairman Hon. Nosakhare Edobor emphasized sportsmanship and urged Osarobo to develop a strategy to position the council among the state's best. Osarobo, in his acceptance speech, pledged to replicate Governor Okpebholo's SHINE Agenda if elected in the July local government polls.
A 30-year-old winning a council chair primary is notable, but age alone doesn't guarantee change. Osarobo's pledge to replicate the SHINE Agenda ties his success directly to Governor Monday Okpebholo's political brand. If implemented, this could mean continuity over innovation in Ovia South West. For residents, the real test comes after July — promises are easy, projects harder.
