By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

THE wife of Iyorcha Ayu, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Herberta Okonofua on Friday emerged as the Edo Central Senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Among those that also emerged were a former chieftain of the PDP and the Director General of the party’s 2024 governorship election, Hon Matthew Iduoriyekemwen for Edo South and Prince Musa Braimoh for Edo North Senatorial District.

Announcing the result at the party’s secretariat which also included nine seats of the House of Representatives and the 24 State House of Assembly, chairman of the committee Ebionwei Olomu said the exercise was conducted in line with the guidelines of the party and the 2026 Electoral Act which directs that either Direct Primary on Consensus should be used to pick candidates.

He said “The peaceful nature of the exercise was a precursor to what should be expected from the ADC during the elections.”

Speaking, Okonofua commended the leadership of the party for the successful primary inspite of threats and uncertainty “The country is passing through some things that we all want our country to be out from and ADC is here to reposition Nigeria.”

Also speaking, Iduoriyekemwen said the people of Edo South need a unifying personality to bring Benin back the Benin together as one people.

According to him, “Edo South is one of the foremost senatorial districts in Nigeria, the time for making excuses is over, actions should now come over excuses and it is also time to bring Edo South together, we have to come back together as one, we have to speak as one voice as the Benin Nation, right now we are so divided, we need a unifying factor and by the grace I am that person because I live here, I know my people and my people know me so I stand in a position to bring everybody together.”

On his part, Braimoh said the current Edo North senator, Adams Oshiomhole was still relying on his days as governor of the state and has nothing to show in the six local government areas he represents as a senator.