The political landscape of Edo State has undergone a seismic shift. On Monday, September 23, 2024, as the dust settled on Saturday’s election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious, reclaiming the state after a brief hiatus. The win has been hailed as a triumphant return of Edo to the “progressive fold,” sparking celebrations among APC supporters and raising eyebrows among opposition parties.
The streets of Benin City, Edo State’s capital, buzzed with a mix of jubilation and tension as news of the APC’s win spread. Senator Monday Okpebholo, the party’s standard-bearer, alongside his running mate Dennis Idahosa, secured the governorship, marking a significant turn in the state’s political direction.
Leading the chorus of congratulations was Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who played a pivotal role in the APC’s campaign as the Chairman of the Election Planning and Strategy Committee. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, Governor Aiyedatiwa didn’t mince words about the significance of the victory.
I join millions of our party faithful to give glory to God for granting us a peaceful victory to reclaim Edo back into the fold of the progressives where it clearly belongs,” Aiyedatiwa declared, his words echoing the sentiment of many APC supporters who see the win as a correction of Edo’s political course.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was quick to attribute the success to the party’s top brass, singling out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for special praise. “I thank Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the exemplary leadership that guaranteed a free, fair and peaceful election in Edo,” he stated, underscoring the national significance of the state-level contest.
The governor also commended the efforts of the APC’s national chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, and the various campaign committees that worked tirelessly to secure the win. This acknowledgment highlights the concerted effort at both state and national levels that went into the APC’s campaign strategy.
On the streets of Benin City, opinions on the election outcome were mixed. APC supporter Osaze Ighile, a 45-year-old trader, couldn’t contain his excitement: “This is a new dawn for Edo. We’ve been waiting for this moment to return to the progressive path. Okpebholo will bring the change we need.”
However, not everyone shared in the jubilation. PDP loyalist Grace Obaseki expressed her concerns: “We’re worried about what this means for the policies and projects started by the outgoing administration. Will they be continued or abandoned?”
As Edo State prepares for a transition of power, all eyes are on governor-elect Okpebholo and his plans for the state. Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed confidence in the incoming administration’s vision, stating, “I am confident in the vision of Okpebholo to change the face of governance in the state, by implementing progressive policies and programmes that will make positive impacts on the lives of Edo people.
Political analyst Dr. Amina Ibrahim offered her perspective on the challenges ahead: “While the APC’s victory is significant, the real test begins now. Okpebholo will need to bridge the divides exacerbated by a contentious campaign and deliver on the promises that secured this win.”
The APC’s triumph in Edo State carries implications that extend beyond the state’s borders. As a swing state, Edo’s return to the APC fold could signal shifts in the broader Nigerian political landscape as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections.
National APC spokesperson, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, commented on the win’s national significance: “This victory reaffirms the APC’s standing as the party of progress in Nigeria. It’s a clear indication that Nigerians across the country are aligning with our vision for the nation.
Despite the APC’s celebrations, the election has not been without controversy. Opposition parties have raised concerns about the conduct of the polls, with some threatening legal action to contest the results.
PDP state chairman, Chief Emmanuel Ogidi, hinted at potential challenges to come: “We are reviewing the election process and results. If we find evidence of irregularities, we will not hesitate to seek redress through legal means.”
As Edo State stands on the cusp of a new political era, the implications of the APC’s victory continue to unfold. The return of the state to what Governor Aiyedatiwa terms the “progressive fold” marks not just a change in leadership, but potentially a shift in policy direction and governance style.
The coming weeks and months will be crucial as governor-elect Okpebholo transitions from candidate to leader. The expectations are high, with supporters looking forward to the implementation of promised reforms and development projects. At the same time, the new administration will need to navigate the complex political waters of a state divided by a hard-fought campaign.
For now, as the celebrations continue and the opposition regroups, one thing is clear: Edo State’s political landscape has been reshaped. Whether this change will translate into tangible benefits for the people of Edo remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a new chapter in the state’s political journey. As Nigeria watches, Edo’s return to the “progressive fold” could well be a bellwether for the nation’s political future.
