Julius Ihonvbere, the Leader of the House of Representatives, has claimed victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for Owan East/Owan West Federal Constituency of Edo State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The lawmaker’s camp said ward-collated results from the direct primary conducted across the constituency showed that Ihonvbere secured 4,729 votes to defeat his closest rival, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, who polled 2,912 votes, while Hon. Abdul Oroh recorded 29 votes.

The claim was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Samson Akhanieme, following reports in some sections of the media alleging that the House Leader lost the contest.

According to the statement, “the just concluded APC House of Representatives primary for Owan Federal Constituency, Edo State held on Saturday, May 16, has been won by the Leader of the House of Representatives and current member representing the constituency, Prof. Julius Omozuanvbo Ihonvbere.”

Akhanieme said the reports suggesting otherwise were “misleading and did not reflect the actual outcome of the exercise conducted across the wards in Owan East and Owan West local government areas.”

He added that two aspirants — Hon. Foly Ogedengbe and Barr. Friday Ojealaro — had earlier stepped down from the race in solidarity with Ihonvbere before the commencement of voting.

According to him, “the overall votes cast in the electoral contest showed that Prof. Ihonvbere polled 4,729 votes, while his closest rival, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, recorded 2,912 votes, with Hon. Abdul Oroh coming a distant third with 29 votes.”

The statement further noted that result sheets and video clips from various wards were presented as evidence to support the victory claim.

Speaking after the exercise, Ihonvbere thanked APC members and stakeholders for their support and called for unity among party faithful ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“I remain committed to working with all stakeholders and former aspirants to ensure total victory for the APC in the 2027 general elections,” the House Leader was quoted as saying.