Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the National Chairman of the ruling party, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo on his victory in the hotly contested Edo State Governorship election. The APC chief’s statement, released late Monday night in Abuja, underscores the significance of this win not just for Edo State, but as a broader affirmation of the party’s national agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.
As the sun set on a tense election day in Edo State, the political landscape of Nigeria’s South-South region was irrevocably altered. Senator Monday Okpebholo’s win, officially announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) earlier on Monday, marks a pivotal moment for the APC in a state that has seen its fair share of political turbulence in recent years.
Dr. Ganduje, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, framed the victory in sweeping terms. This triumph,” he declared, “is a testament to the confidence the good people of Edo State have in the progressive vision and leadership of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led APC administration.”
In his congratulatory message, Ganduje was quick to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of Okpebholo’s success. Senator Okpebholo’s victory reflects not just the trust and hope placed in his leadership,” the APC chairman noted, “but also the hard work and resilience of our party members and supporters who ensured a free, fair, and peaceful election.
This sentiment was echoed by local APC organizers on the ground in Edo. Osaze Osagie, a ward coordinator in Benin City, shared his perspective: “We’ve been working tirelessly for months, going door-to-door, listening to people’s concerns. This victory isn’t just about Senator Okpebholo – it’s about every party member who believed in our message of progress for Edo State.”
Looking ahead, Ganduje expressed unbridled optimism about what Okpebholo’s leadership will mean for Edo State. “With Senator Okpebholo at the helm,” he predicted, “Edo State is poised to witness unprecedented growth, peace, and development that will transform the lives of its citizens.”
This vision of transformation resonates with many Edo residents who have long hoped for a change in the state’s fortunes. Mary Igbinedion, a market trader in Auchi, shared her hopes: “We’ve heard many promises before, but there’s something different this time. Senator Okpebholo speaks our language – he understands our struggles. We’re hopeful that this time, real change will come to Edo.”
In his statement, Ganduje took pains to emphasize the alignment between Okpebholo’s projected governance style and the APC’s broader national vision. We are confident,” he stated, “that Senator Okpebholo will continue to uphold the values of good governance, transparency, and service to the people which have been the bedrock of the APC’s vision for Nigeria.”
This commitment to core party values was a recurring theme throughout the campaign. Political analyst Dr. Osahon Enabulele offered his perspective: “The APC’s messaging in Edo was remarkably consistent. They positioned Okpebholo not just as a candidate for Edo, but as a standard-bearer for the party’s national agenda. This resonated with voters who see Edo’s future as intrinsically linked to Nigeria’s broader development.
While the mood in APC circles is undoubtedly jubilant, the task ahead for Senator Okpebholo is formidable. Edo State, like many in Nigeria, faces significant challenges in areas such as infrastructure development, job creation, and healthcare provision.
Dr. Ganduje’s statement touched on these challenges, albeit indirectly. By emphasizing “unprecedented growth, peace, and development,” the APC chairman tacitly acknowledged the work that lies ahead for the governor-elect.
Local civil society leader, Abiodun Oyewole, offered a more direct assessment: “The expectations are sky-high. Senator Okpebholo has promised transformation, and the people of Edo will hold him to that. The honeymoon period will be short – he needs to hit the ground running.”
As news of Ganduje’s congratulatory message spread, it sparked discussions across Edo State about the implications of this new political reality. In beer parlors in Benin City and palm wine joints in Ekpoma, citizens debated what an APC government would mean for their daily lives.
Osaro Obaseki, a civil servant in Benin City, summed up the mood: “We’ve seen power change hands before, but this feels different. There’s a sense that Edo is now more closely aligned with the federal government. Whether that’s good or bad depends on your perspective, but it’s undeniably a new chapter for our state.”
While the APC celebrates, opposition parties have been notably quiet. As of Tuesday morning, neither the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) nor the Labour Party had issued official statements on the election outcome.
This silence has not gone unnoticed. Political commentator Esosa Omoregie observed, “The lack of immediate reaction from the opposition is telling. It suggests they’re still processing the result and considering their next moves. In Nigerian politics, silence can sometimes be louder than words.
As Edo State prepares to usher in a new administration under Senator Monday Okpebholo, Dr. Ganduje’s congratulatory message sets a tone of optimism and high expectations. The APC’s victory in this crucial South-South state is being framed not just as a local triumph, but as a vindication of the party’s national vision under President Tinubu’s leadership.
However, the true test lies ahead. Senator Okpebholo will need to translate campaign promises into tangible improvements in the lives of Edo citizens. As he prepares to take office, all eyes – from the streets of Benin City to the corridors of power in Abuja – will be watching closely to see if this new chapter in Edo’s political history will indeed deliver the transformation its people so fervently desire.
