The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the 2024 Edo governorship election.
The announcement was made by INEC's Returning Officer, Prof Faruk Kuta, at 09:27 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2024. Okpebholo secured a total of 291,667 votes, surpassing his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came in a distant third with 22,761 votes. The victory was significant, with Okpebholo winning in over 10 of the 18 local government areas and dominating two of the three battleground senatorial districts.
The election results were met with ecstatic cheers from APC supporters at the collation centre in Benin City, the state capital. Prof Faruk Kuta stated, "That Okpebholo Monday of APC having satisfied the requirement of the law is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected."
The governor-elect's success can be attributed to his strategic alliance with former Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole. This collaboration proved pivotal in defeating Ighodalo, who was backed by the outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki.
The election shows the political shifts and alliances within Edo State, highlighting the dynamic nature of its political landscape.
In response to the election outcome, President Bola Tinubu congratulated Okpebholo but advised against gloating over the victory. He emphasized the importance of unity and moving forward for the betterment of Edo State.
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