All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje led a high-powered delegation of APC governors to the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday to meet with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The purpose of this visit was to introduce the newly elected governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, to the President. This meeting was seen as a significant political move, further solidifying party alliances and strategies within the APC.
Accompanying Ganduje on this important occasion were several APC governors, including Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, who has been a key player in the party, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, known for his development agenda, Uba Sani of Kaduna, a major northern political figure, Usman Ododo of Kogi, representing a strategic state in the country’s middle belt, and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, who has been a strong advocate for infrastructural growth in the South-West region.
Additionally, other prominent political figures such as Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North, and Philip Shaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo State, were also present at the meeting. Both men are influential within the political landscape of Edo State, having previously played vital roles in state politics.
In a surprising turn of events, a mild drama unfolded during the visit when some members of the delegation, including Okpebholo, Idahosa, and Philip Shaibu, were seen kneeling before President Tinubu as they greeted him, in a show of humility and respect. The act caught the attention of many, including viewers of the circulating video footage, sparking a conversation about cultural expressions of respect in Nigeria’s political sphere.
Watch the video below:
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had earlier announced Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State. However, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) raised objections regarding alleged irregularities during the electoral process. Despite these concerns, INEC officially declared Okpebholo the winner, affirming his victory.
In a formal event that took place at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja, Okpebholo was presented with the certificate of return, which is the final step in affirming his position as the governor-elect. This event solidified his mandate and paved the way for his swearing-in as Edo State’s next governor.