Voters in Edo State, Southern Nigeria, have gone to the polls as legislative by-elections commence. The elections come amid high anticipation and intense political activity across the state.
The elections will provide replacements for Edo Central Senatorial seat and Northeast and Ovia Southwest Federal constituency.
Our correspondent reports that voting commenced as early as 8:00am local time in Ovia Northeast polling unit 002 and 004.
Voters could be seen trickling into Eresonye primary school, Oluku where unit 002 is located to cast their votes.
Hitherto, Edo Central Senatorial seat was occupied by the incumbent governor of the state, Monday Okpebolor while Ovia Northeast Federal constituency was Dennis Idahosa, who is now the deputy governor.
The two major contenders for the House of Representatives seat are Omosede Igbinedion of the All Progressives Congress and John Aikpitanyi of the People’s Democratic Party.
Confidence Okwuchi