Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in Edo State’s hotly contested governorship election. The journey to the governorship seat, fraught with legal battles, party infighting, and high-stakes political maneuvering, culminated in a decisive win for Okpebholo on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
As dawn broke over Edo State on Saturday, an air of anticipation mixed with tension hung over polling stations across the 18 Local Government Areas. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had deployed over 43,000 policemen and additional security personnel to ensure a peaceful voting process.
The atmosphere was charged, but surprisingly orderly,” remarked Osaze Ighile, a local election observer in Benin City. You could feel the weight of the moment as voters queued up, determined to have their say in shaping Edo’s future.”
By nightfall, as vote counting began, it became clear that the election had unfolded without the widespread violence many had feared. The relative peace was a testament to both the security measures in place and the civic responsibility displayed by Edo’s citizens.
As INEC officials announced the results on Sunday afternoon, the political landscape of Edo State was irrevocably altered. Monday Okpebholo of the APC secured a commanding lead with 291,667 votes, outpacing his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes.
The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, once considered a potential dark horse, managed only 22,763 votes, failing to capitalize on the momentum from the party’s strong showing in the 2023 presidential election.
Professor Faruk Kuta, the INEC Returning Officer, declared the final results at the collation center in Benin City, stating, “Okpebholo, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.
Okpebholo’s journey to becoming the APC flagbearer was anything but smooth. The party’s primary election on February 17, 2024, descended into chaos, with three different candidates claiming victory.
It was a mess,” admitted a senior APC official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We had to cancel the whole thing and start over. It was embarrassing, but ultimately necessary to ensure a fair process.”
A second primary, held on February 22 under the watchful eye of a committee led by Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, saw Okpebholo emerge as the clear winner. However, legal challenges and internal party strife threatened to derail his candidacy.
President Bola Tinubu’s intervention proved crucial in uniting the fractious Edo APC. In a high-stakes meeting at the Presidential Villa on March 18, Tinubu brokered a peace deal between Okpebholo and his rival, Dennis Idahosa.
“The President’s involvement was a game-changer,” revealed a source close to the negotiations. “He basically told everyone to put their egos aside and work together for the party’s success.”
This reconciliation set the stage for a united APC campaign, with former governor Adams Oshiomhole eventually throwing his considerable political weight behind Okpebholo.
While the APC managed to present a united front, the PDP grappled with internal divisions and legal challenges. The party’s primary, which produced Asue Ighodalo as its candidate, was initially nullified by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Although an Appeal Court later overturned this decision, the legal battles took their toll on the PDP’s campaign momentum. The defection of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu back to the APC further weakened the PDP’s position.
We underestimated the impact of these internal conflicts,” admitted a senior PDP strategist. “By the time we sorted out our legal issues, Okpebholo and the APC had already gained significant ground.”
At its core, this election was widely seen as a proxy battle between former governor Adams Oshiomhole and incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki. Once allies, their bitter falling out had dominated Edo politics for years.
Oshiomhole, campaigning tirelessly for Okpebholo, framed the election as a referendum on Obaseki’s tenure. The people of Edo State have spoken,” Oshiomhole declared at a victory rally in Benin City. “They’ve rejected the politics of division and embraced our message of progress and unity.”
As Edo State prepares for the transition of power, Okpebholo faces the daunting task of uniting a politically divided state and delivering on his campaign promises.
Dr. Osahon Enabulele, a political analyst based in Benin City, cautioned, “Okpebholo’s victory is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in governing effectively and meeting the high expectations of Edo people.
With issues ranging from infrastructure development to job creation looming large, all eyes will be on the governor-elect as he prepares to take office.
Monday Okpebholo’s rise to the governorship of Edo State is a testament to the unpredictable nature of Nigerian politics. Through a combination of strategic alliances, party reconciliation, and effective campaigning, he navigated a complex political landscape to emerge victorious.
As Edo State turns the page on a contentious election, the hope is that this new chapter will bring the stability and progress its citizens desperately desire. For Okpebholo, the real work begins now, as he seeks to transform campaign promises into tangible results for the people of Edo.
