The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for governor, Monday Okpebholo, has won the September 21, 2024, governorship election. The victory marks a significant achievement for Okpebholo, who faced stiff competition from candidates across multiple parties. This election has been closely watched by political observers, given the high stakes and the intense campaigning that led up to the polling day.
Seventeen people ran for the exalted seat at the Dennis Osadebay House in Benin City, Edo State, during the off-cycle election. The competition included several prominent candidates, each representing different political ideologies and visions for the future of Edo State. The election process itself was marked by a high voter turnout, as citizens from across the state came out in large numbers to cast their votes and make their voices heard.
Across Edo State’s 18 local government areas, 4,519 polling places hosted the governorship election. The extensive reach of the election underscores the importance of every vote in determining the outcome, with each local government area contributing to the final tally that led to Okpebholo’s victory. The election was not only a test of political strength but also of organizational capacity, as the APC sought to mobilize its base and secure a decisive win.
Gistreel recalls that Okpebhole was backed by Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor and senator from Edo North’s senatorial district. Oshiomhole’s endorsement played a crucial role in bolstering Okpebholo’s campaign, lending it credibility and support from key political figures within the state. Oshiomhole’s influence in Edo politics cannot be overstated, and his backing of Okpebholo was seen as a significant factor in the latter’s electoral success.
The electoral process was widely contested by Okpebhole, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP). Each of these candidates brought their own strengths and support bases to the race, making the election a fiercely contested battle for the governorship. The diversity of candidates highlighted the competitive nature of Edo State’s political landscape, with voters having a range of options to choose from.
Okpebholo won in Esan West, Owan West, Egor, Akoko-Edo, Esan Central, Orhionmwon, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Etsako West, and Oredo. His victories across these local government areas demonstrate his widespread appeal and the effectiveness of his campaign strategy. The results reflect the confidence that many voters have in his ability to lead Edo State towards a prosperous future.
Recall that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) made an appeal on Sunday to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, urging him to conduct a thorough review of the compiled results from the Edo governorship election before making the ultimate announcement. The PDP’s request for a review indicates their concern over the accuracy of the election results, highlighting the importance of transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi informed reporters in Benin that the electoral officers’ recorded data significantly varied from the authentic results uploaded on INEC IREV at the polling stations. This discrepancy has raised questions about the integrity of the election process, with the PDP calling for a closer examination of the data to ensure that the final results reflect the true will of the people. The ongoing debate over the election results underscores the tensions and high stakes involved in this governorship race.