Okpebholo Wins Edo 2024 Governorship Race by 44,012 Votes
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared the winner of the 2024 Edo State governorship election, securing 291,667 votes to beat Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,655 votes. With a 44,012-vote margin, Okpebholo emerged victorious in what many consider one of the most fiercely contested elections in Edo’s political history.
Labour Party’s Distant Third
Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished in a distant third place, polling only 22,763 votes. Following his victory, an elated Okpebholo promised to bring transformative development to Edo, continuing the legacy of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole.
Election Victory Amid Controversy
Okpebholo’s win did not come without controversy. Governor Godwin Obaseki, along with the PDP Campaign Council and civil society organizations, expressed concerns over irregularities during the election collation process. These groups pointed out the disruptions in certain areas and urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the issues.
A New Era for Edo
After being declared the winner, Okpebholo addressed Edo citizens, assuring them that they had chosen the right person to lead. He stated: “Edo people have elected the right person for the job. A new Edo is rising, and I am here to develop Edo State.” Okpebholo, from Edo North, emphasized his plans to transform the state, building on Oshiomhole’s achievements.
Results Breakdown: Okpebholo’s Strongholds
Okpebholo dominated Edo North, where he garnered 130,684 votes to Ighodalo’s 76,959 votes, while Akpata received 5,987 votes. However, in Edo Central and Edo South, Ighodalo secured narrow victories, winning 54,813 votes in Edo Central compared to Okpebholo’s 48,895 votes. In Edo South, Ighodalo polled 115,502 votes while Okpebholo received 112,088 votes.
Local Government Wins
Okpebholo clinched victories in 11 out of 18 local councils, including Governor Obaseki’s Orhionmwon. He won in Etsako West, Etsako East, Akoko-Edo, Owan East, Owan West, and five others. Ighodalo, on the other hand, won in 7 LGAs, including Esan North-East, Esan South-East, and Ikpoba-Okha.
Obaseki and PDP React
Governor Obaseki criticized the election process, accusing INEC and security agencies of blatant disregard for the law. He called for calm, urging Edo residents to avoid violence and explore legal means to resolve grievances. Obaseki stated, “The election was marred by impunity and disregard for due process.”
Meanwhile, the PDP Campaign Council and Governor Umaru Fintiri demanded the restoration of the collation process, alleging manipulation in certain areas. The PDP remains steadfast in its belief that Ighodalo won based on results gathered by its agents.
Reactions to Okpebholo’s Victory
- @ChrisVoteWatch: “Okpebholo’s victory was well-deserved. Edo is in for some solid development! #EdoElections2024”
- @AdaNaijaPolitics: “Ighodalo put up a great fight, but Okpebholo winning by over 44,000 votes shows APC’s strength in Edo North. #OkpebholoVictory”
- @TundeOnPolitics: “Governor Obaseki and PDP may challenge the results, but Okpebholo’s lead in 11 LGAs is significant. #EdoGovElection”
- @ChinyereCivicVoice: “There are concerns about the fairness of the process, but Edo has spoken. Hope this brings the change the people need. #EdoDecides”
- @SegunForNigeria: “Okpebholo promised to pick up where Oshiomhole left off. Let’s see if he delivers. #NewEdoRising”
- @NgoziDemocracyMatters: “Despite the controversies, Okpebholo’s victory is official. Edo deserves strong leadership now. #EdoState2024”
- @FemiTheObserver: “Ighodalo’s narrow win in Edo South shows PDP still has strength, but APC’s North dominance sealed the deal. #EdoPolitics”
- @SeyiChangeAdvocate: “Hoping Okpebholo lives up to his promises. Edo deserves sustainable growth! #EdoRising”
- @BolaNaijaPatriot: “INEC needs to address these irregularities seriously. We can’t keep having these issues in elections. #INEC #EdoElections”
- @JoyLovesEdo: “Edo’s future looks bright with Okpebholo. Let’s give him a chance to lead! #EdoGovernor2024”
- @JohnElectionWatch: “Will PDP’s challenge stand? Interesting times ahead in Edo’s political landscape. #ElectionControversy”
- @LolaGrassrootsVoice: “Collation issues shouldn’t overshadow the people’s choice. Edo has decided. #EdoElectionResults”
- @EmekaSocialJustice: “Election integrity matters. Let’s hope INEC investigates these disruptions properly. #DemocracyWins”
- @IbrahimPoliticalAnalyst: “The APC juggernaut in Edo North is what made the difference. Ighodalo fought well, but Okpebholo was unbeatable. #EdoPolls2024”
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