Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the outcome of last Saturday’s by-election was a clear confirmation that he genuinely won the 2024 governorship election.
Speaking at Government House, Benin City, when he received the House of Representatives member-elect for Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, alongside her predecessor and Edo Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Governor Okpebholo described the results as a true reflection of the love of Edo people for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He maintained that contrary to allegations that the APC stole the mandate in the last election, the results of the just concluded by-election have shown that the people freely voted for the ruling party.
According to the Governor:
“This by-election result shows that Edo people have spoken. They claimed we stole their mandate, but I waited for this election to really know if we actually did. The results from Edo Central speak volumes — APC won 51 out of 51 wards. This is proof that the people gave their mandate to us. No mandate was stolen.
“The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the previous election, including those in this present contest, all lost their wards and polling units. This means the people never voted for them in the first place. Edo is APC, and Edo people have again shown their trust in us.”
Governor Okpebholo further reiterated his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that Edo APC is determined to deliver 2.5 million votes for the President in future elections.
He said: “We love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Securing 2.5 million votes is a task that must be accomplished. We won’t sleep; we will keep working hard until our goals are achieved.”
Ovia By-Election: Idahosa Presents Successor
Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, who previously represented Ovia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, presented Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion to the Governor as the newly elected lawmaker.
“There was a by-election in Ovia Federal Constituency on Saturday, 16th of August, 2025. A winner has emerged, and I am here to present her to you and thank you for your purposeful leadership. The people of Ovia asked me to extend their gratitude,” Idahosa said.
Igbinedion Promises Effective Representation
In her remarks, Hon. Igbinedion assured Governor Okpebholo and the people of Ovia Federal Constituency of effective representation.
She said: “I am not new to the National Assembly. I will hit the ground running, bringing my experience to bear in delivering projects that will impact my people. The votes we secured in Ovia were due to many factors, but one undeniable truth is that the people recognized the Governor’s hard work and commitment to development across Edo State. The impact is being felt in Ovia and beyond.”
The by-election victory has further strengthened the APC’s dominance in Edo politics ahead of future electoral contests.
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