The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially presented the certificate of return to Monday Okpebholo, the winner of the Edo State Governorship election, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). The presentation took place at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
Okpebholo was declared the winner of the September 21 gubernatorial election after securing 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party (LP) candidate, finished in a distant third place with 22,763 votes. Fourteen other candidates competed for the governorship but received fewer votes than the leading three.
During the election, Monday Okpebholo’s APC dominated over 10 of Edo State’s 18 local government areas. The PDP candidate, Ighodalo, only managed a marginal victory in a few councils, leaving the APC to control two of the state’s three senatorial districts, cementing the party’s grip on the state’s leadership.
In his acceptance speech, Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to the people of Edo State and promised to lead with transparency, ensuring the development of the state. He also commended INEC for conducting a free and fair election.
The election was widely followed due to its potential to shift the political landscape in Edo, and INEC’s smooth handling of the process received praise from political observers. With Okpebholo’s victory, the APC strengthens its position in the South-South region, setting the stage for future political contests in the state.
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