InsideNaijaBlog | Okpebholo Triumphs in Historic Edo 2024 Governorship Election Amid Controversy and Hope

LAGOS – The Moment of Victory
At precisely 9:28 pm on a historic evening, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the 2024 Edo State governorship election. With a total of 291,667 votes, Okpebholo secured a hard-fought victory, defeating his closest rival, Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,655 votes. Okpebholo’s lead of 44,012 votes marked the conclusion of one of Edo’s most fiercely contested elections in history. The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished in a distant third place with 22,763 votes.

Edo came alive with celebrations as an elated Okpebholo addressed the people, expressing his joy and confidence that they had chosen the best leader for the job. “Edo people have elected the right person. A new Edo is rising,” Okpebholo declared, promising transformative leadership for the state.

A New Dawn for Edo: Okpebholo’s Promise
Speaking after his victory was announced, Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to propelling Edo into a new era of growth. He vowed to continue the developmental strides initiated by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, adding, “I want to transform Edo the way it should be. By the grace of God, Edo will stand firm.”

How Okpebholo Secured the Win
To claim victory, Okpebholo won 11 out of 18 local government areas (LGAs) in the state, including Edo North—his stronghold. Though Ighodalo narrowly edged him out in Edo Central and Edo South, Okpebholo’s dominance in Edo North, home to the influential Adams Oshiomhole, proved decisive. He garnered 130,684 votes in Edo North compared to Ighodalo’s 76,959 and Labour’s 5,987.

In Edo Central, Ighodalo led with 54,813 votes, while Okpebholo trailed with 48,895. In the densely populated Edo South, Ighodalo won by a slim margin, securing 115,502 votes to Okpebholo’s 112,088.

Despite challenges from the PDP and complaints of irregularities, Okpebholo’s victory was ultimately confirmed.

Obaseki: “Disregard for Rule of Law”
Governor Godwin Obaseki, reacting to the results, urged calm but expressed dissatisfaction with the process, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of disregarding the rule of law. “The power of the people has been blatantly seized,” Obaseki lamented, calling the election a travesty of democracy. He encouraged aggrieved parties to seek redress through legal channels while urging the people to maintain peace.

APC Celebrates as Ganduje Congratulates Okpebholo
APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, was quick to congratulate Okpebholo, stating that his victory was a testament to the people’s confidence in the APC and the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. Ganduje expressed optimism that Okpebholo’s leadership would bring unprecedented growth, peace, and development to Edo State.

PDP Kicks Against Results
Meanwhile, the PDP, led by its campaign council chairman Governor Umaru Fintiri, strongly contested the results, alleging disruptions and illegal interference in the collation process. The party accused security agencies and INEC officials of allowing APC agents to manipulate the outcome in several key areas, including Edo South. Fintiri warned that the violations could undermine the credibility of the election, calling for immediate legal action to restore the people’s mandate.

Civil Society Groups Raise Concerns
Several civil society organizations, including Yiaga Africa and the Centre for Democracy & Development, expressed concern over the disruptions during collation, particularly in wards across Ikpoba-Okha and Oredo LGAs. In a joint statement, the groups called for transparency in the process and urged INEC to review any compromised results, invoking its powers under the Electoral Act of 2022.

Winners and Losers: The Political Chessboard
The 2024 Edo election has significantly reshaped the state’s political landscape. Among the clear winners are President Tinubu, Senator Okpebholo, and former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who avenged his political fallout with Obaseki. Okpebholo’s victory marked his second major political triumph after becoming a senator on his first attempt. For Oshiomhole, it was a deeply personal victory, as he succeeded in preventing Obaseki from installing his preferred successor.

Tinubu: “This Is a Call to Service”
President Tinubu lauded Okpebholo’s victory, calling it a “challenging call to service” rather than an occasion for triumphalism. He urged the governor-elect to unite Edo State and extend a hand of fellowship to his political rivals to ensure the state’s continued development.

Oshiomhole and Akpabio Celebrate Divine Victory
Senator Adams Oshiomhole expressed joy over Okpebholo’s win, calling it a “personal fulfillment” and crediting God for the victory. Senate President Godswill Akpabio echoed these sentiments, calling the result a reflection of “God’s will” for Edo. Both leaders emphasized the importance of peace, progress, and development for the state going forward.

A Contested Win but a Hopeful Future
Despite lingering disputes and allegations of manipulation, Senator Okpebholo’s victory opens a new chapter in Edo’s political history. As the legal battles loom and the political dust settles, all eyes remain on the promises of transformation that Okpebholo has pledged to deliver. His words resonate with hope for the future: “A new Edo is rising.”

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