The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo winner of the Edo 2024 governorship election. The declaration sparked celebrations among All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, as the party regained control of the state after losing power in 2020 when Obaseki defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The keenly contested governorship election held on September 21, 2024, saw Okpebholo, 54, emerge victorious with a total of 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who received 22,763 votes.
Political analysts believe Okpebholo's campaign benefitted from alliances with influential political figures, including Adams Oshiomhole and Philip Shaibu, Obaseki’s former deputy. His victory marks a significant shift in Edo's political landscape, with the APC now positioned to reclaim the Dennis Osadebe Government House.
APC Chairman in Edo State expressed confidence that Okpebholo’s administration will bring much-needed development to the people. Meanwhile, outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has urged citizens to remain calm following the election results, which he claims were marred by irregularities and a disregard for democratic processes.
In a statement, Obaseki called for peace and urged aggrieved parties to seek legal recourse rather than resorting to violence. “The attractive thing about democracy is its power on the people to choose who governs them. Therefore, when this power is blatantly seized from the people, it is not just a tragedy, but a travesty of democracy,” he said.
However, election observers from the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room reported instances of vote buying and intimidation at various polling units. They noted that bribes ranged from ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 per voter, despite a significant security presence.
