After months of intense politicking in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the highly contested governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Okpebholo, 54, garnered 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Fourteen other candidates participated but received fewer votes than the leading trio.
INEC’s Returning Officer, Faruk Kuta, announced the results at 9:27 PM amidst cheers from APC supporters at the collation center in Benin City, the state capital. “That Okpebholo Monday of APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected,” Kuta stated.
Okpebholo dominated over 10 of the 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo managed marginal victories in the remaining councils. The APC also claimed control in two of the three key senatorial districts within the state.
Leveraging his significant influence in Edo Central, Okpebholo formed a strategic alliance with fellow National Assembly member Adams Oshiomhole from Edo North, effectively countering Ighodalo, who was the favored candidate of outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki.
Additionally, his collaboration with running mate Dennis Idahosa, a federal lawmaker, and Obaseki’s estranged deputy, Philip Shaibu, played a crucial role in securing his victory.
