The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The announcement followed a highly competitive race in which Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished in third place with 22,763 votes, while the remaining 14 candidates made little impact.
The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, made the official declaration at 9:27 pm on Sunday, stating, “Okpebholo Monday of APC, having satisfied the requirement of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”
The announcement was met with jubilant cheers from APC supporters at the collation center in Benin City.
Okpebholo dominated in over 10 of the 18 local government areas, securing victories in two of the three key senatorial districts.
His success was bolstered by strategic alliances, including the backing of Adams Oshiomhole, a fellow National Assembly member from Edo North, and Dennis Idahosa, his running mate.
Okpebholo also gained support from Philip Shaibu, the estranged deputy of outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose candidate, Ighodalo, suffered a marginal loss in some local councils.
Okpebholo’s win marks a significant shift in Edo State’s political landscape, with the APC reclaiming key areas from the PDP.
