Former President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his triumph in the hotly contested Edo State governorship election. The hard-fought battle, which concluded on Saturday, saw Okpebholo emerge victorious over his closest rival from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
As the sun rose over Benin City on Sunday, September 22, 2024, the air was thick with anticipation. At precisely 10:15 AM, Professor Faruk Kuta, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for Edo State, stepped up to the podium at the INEC headquarters. With cameras flashing and a hushed audience hanging on his every word, Prof. Kuta declared the results that would shape Edo’s future for the next four years.
After a thorough collation of results from all 18 local government areas,” Prof. Kuta announced, his voice steady and clear, “I hereby declare that Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, having satisfied the requirements of the law and scored the highest number of votes, is the winner of the 2024 Edo State governorship election.”
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 – while decisive, underscored the competitive nature of the election and the high stakes involved for all parties.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s congratulatory message, released shortly after the official announcement, carried significant weight given his stature in Nigerian politics. Speaking from his residence in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari described Okpebholo’s victory as “historic,” a term that resonated with many political observers.
“This victory is not just for Senator Okpebholo or the APC,” Buhari stated, his voice carrying the gravitas of his years in office. It is a victory for democracy in Nigeria. The people of Edo State have spoken, and their voice has been heard loud and clear.”
The former president’s message went beyond mere congratulations, offering a vision for Edo’s future. I have great hope,” Buhari continued, “that the incoming government will work together with all stakeholders to strengthen our democracy and maintain the upward trajectory of Edo State’s development.
One of the most notable aspects of the election, highlighted by both local and international observers, was its peaceful conduct. Former President Buhari took special care to commend the law enforcement agencies for their efforts in ensuring a calm and orderly electoral process.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Abubakar Lawal, who led the security operations during the election, spoke to reporters about the challenges and successes. “Our primary goal was to create an environment where every eligible voter could cast their ballot without fear or intimidation,” ACP Lawal explained. “Through careful planning and cooperation with other security agencies, we were able to achieve this objective.”
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. Osagie Obayuwana, a prominent Edo-based political analyst, offered his perspective on the road ahead. “Senator Okpebholo’s victory speech outlined ambitious plans for Edo’s development,” Dr. Obayuwana noted. “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.”
In the wake of the election results, all eyes turned to the opposition camps, particularly the PDP, whose candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had come so close to victory. As of Sunday evening, the PDP had not released an official statement, leading to speculation about potential legal challenges.
However, in a move that surprised many, Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, who finished third in the race, took to social media to congratulate Senator Okpebholo. “While this is not the outcome we hoped for,” Akpata wrote, “we must respect the will of the people. I extend my congratulations to Senator Okpebholo and urge him to govern for all Edo citizens, regardless of political affiliation.”
On the streets of Benin City and beyond, the mood was a mix of jubilation and cautious optimism. At a bustling market in Uselu, Mrs. Osaru Ighile, a 56-year-old trader, shared her thoughts. “We have seen many elections come and go,” she said, adjusting her colorful wrapper. “What we want now is action. We want to see real change in our lives, in our children’s schools, in our hospitals. That’s what this victory should mean.”
Meanwhile, in the tech hub of Edo State’s Silicon Valley, young entrepreneur Osaze Osagie expressed his hopes for the new administration. “As a startup founder, I’m looking for policies that will support innovation and create opportunities for young people,” Osagie stated. “Senator Okpebholo’s campaign promises were encouraging, but now we need to see concrete plans and implementation.”
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.
Former President Buhari’s congratulatory message, with its emphasis on unity and progress, sets the tone for what many hope will be a new era of inclusive governance and rapid development in Edo State. As Senator Okpebholo prepares to take the reins of power, the challenge now lies in living up to the high expectations set by this historic victory.
In his final words to the press, Buhari offered a prayer for “a new lease of life for Edo State and its people.” As the sun sets on this momentous day in Nigerian politics, that prayer echoes the hopes and aspirations of millions of Edo citizens looking forward to a brighter, more prosperous future.
