Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious, securing a mandate to lead one of Nigeria’s most politically dynamic states. The closely watched race, which concluded on Sunday, September 22, 2024, saw Okpebholo triumph over his main rivals in a contest that has significant implications for both state and national politics.
As the sun rose over Benin City on Sunday morning, tension was palpable across Edo State. After months of intense campaigning and political maneuvering, voters had cast their ballots, and all eyes were on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) collation center. At approximately 2:30 PM local time, Prof. Faruk Kuta, the Returning Officer for the election, stepped forward to announce the results that would shape Edo’s future.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Prof. Kuta declared, his voice steady as he read the official tally.
The Numbers Tell the Tale
In a race that kept political analysts and citizens alike on the edge of their seats, the final tally revealed the true intensity of the contest:
– Senator Monday Okpebholo (APC): 291,667 votes
– Asue Ighodalo (PDP): 247,274 votes
– Olumide Akpata (Labour Party): 22,763 votes
The margin of victory – 44,393 votes – underscored the competitive nature of the election and the high stakes involved for all parties.
Breaking Down the Results: A Local Government Analysis
Edo State, comprising 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), has long been divided into three senatorial districts: Edo North, Edo South, and Edo Central. Traditionally, Edo North has been an APC stronghold, while the PDP has maintained dominance in Edo Central and Edo South. However, this election saw some surprising shifts in voting patterns.
In Akoko Edo LGA, a key battleground in Edo North, the APC secured a resounding victory with 34,847 votes to the PDP’s 15,865. This significant margin in a populous area proved crucial to Okpebholo’s overall success.
Conversely, in Esan South-East LGA, a traditional PDP stronghold, the opposition party managed to maintain its grip, securing 14,199 votes to the APC’s 8,398. This result highlighted the continued influence of local political dynamics in certain areas.
As news of Okpebholo’s victory spread, reactions poured in from across the state. In Benin City’s bustling King’s Square, APC supporters erupted in celebration. Osaze Osagie, a local party organizer, could barely contain his excitement: “This is a new dawn for Edo State! Senator Okpebholo’s victory proves that our message of progress and development resonated with the people.
On the other side of the political divide, PDP loyalists gathered at their party headquarters, processing the unexpected defeat. John Obaseki, a PDP youth leader, remained defiant: “While we’re disappointed with the outcome, this isn’t the end. We’ll regroup, analyze what went wrong, and come back stronger.
One of the most notable aspects of the election was the relatively high voter turnout, particularly in urban areas. In Oredo LGA, which includes parts of Benin City, over 64,000 voters were accredited out of 356,242 registered voters. This level of engagement was praised by election observers as a positive sign for Nigeria’s democracy.
INEC’s handling of the election also drew largely positive reviews. Prof. Attahiru Jega, a former INEC chairman who observed the polls, commented: “Despite some logistical challenges early in the day, INEC staff showed professionalism and dedication to ensuring a free and fair process. This election demonstrates the progress we’re making in electoral management.”
As the dust settles on this historic election, attention now turns to the enormous task awaiting Senator Okpebholo. Edo State, like many in Nigeria, faces significant challenges in areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, and healthcare provision.
Dr. Osahon Enabulele, a political analyst based in Benin City, offered his perspective on the road ahead: “Senator Okpebholo’s victory speech outlined ambitious plans for Edo’s development. The real test will be in translating these promises into tangible improvements in the lives of Edo citizens. The expectations are high, and the clock starts ticking from day one.”
Okpebholo’s victory has implications that extend beyond Edo’s borders. As a key state in the South-South region, Edo’s shift to APC control could signal changing political dynamics in a traditionally opposition-held area. National APC leaders were quick to capitalize on this narrative, with party chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje hailing the win as “a testament to the growing acceptance of our party’s vision for Nigeria.
As Edo State prepares to usher in a new administration under Senator Monday Okpebholo, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on this crucial South-South state. The election’s peaceful conduct and its outcome represent not just a victory for the APC, but a win for Nigeria’s democratic process.
The challenge now lies in living up to the high expectations set by this historic victory. As Senator Okpebholo prepares to take the reins of power, the hope is that this new chapter in Edo’s political history will indeed deliver the transformation its people so fervently desire.
