Our reporter
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been declared the governor-elect of Edo State following the conclusion of the 2024 gubernatorial election.
Okpebholo, who currently represents the Edo Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, triumphed over his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and Bar Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party.
Okpebholo secured a total of 291,667 votes, winning in twelve of the eighteen local government areas in Edo State.
His rival, Ighodalo, garnered 247,220 votes, winning six local government areas, while Akpata of the Labour Party trailed behind with 22,732 votes, failing to secure a win in any local government area.
The Returning Officer of the Edo State Governorship Election, Prof. Faruok Adamu Kuta, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, officially announced the results, stating, “Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby returned elected.”
In his brief acceptance speech, Okpebholo expressed gratitude, saying, “God bless Nigeria, God bless Edo State, thank you.”
Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of Edo State and current senator representing Edo North, voiced his support for the governor-elect.
“I am fulfilled to see Senator Monday Okpebholo emerge as the governor-elect, and I pray that God gives him the grace to fulfill his campaign promises to the people of Edo.”
Meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, reacting to the outcome, pledged that the PDP would challenge the election result through every democratic avenue, urging the citizens of Edo State to remain calm and go about their normal business.
Senator Monday Okpebholo has been a rising figure in Nigerian politics, particularly within the APC. Born on August 29, 1970, in Udomi-Uwessan community, Irrua, Okpebholo’s political journey began with his successful bid for the Edo Central Senatorial District seat in the National Assembly in the 2023 general elections.
Following his inauguration on June 13, 2023, he went on to win the APC primary election for the 2024 gubernatorial race.
Okpebholo holds a degree in Business Administration and a Master’s in Policy and Leadership Studies from the University of Abuja. He is married to Blessing Okpapi Ekpe, and they have two children.
As Edo State prepares to transition leadership, the governor-elect faces the challenge of delivering on his promises to the people.
His victory is seen as a significant achievement for the APC, which now holds the governorship seat in the State.
