INEC Declares APC’s Okpebholo Winner Of Edo Gov Election

After months of rigorous campaigning, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the victor in the highly contested Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024. 

Okpebholo, 54, clinched the seat with 291,667 votes, narrowly defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) trailed with 22,763 votes, while the remaining 14 candidates fell behind, with little impact on the race.

Announcing the results at 9:27 p.m. in Benin City, INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, declared, “That Okpebholo Monday of APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and is returned elected.”

Okpebholo dominated in over 10 of the state’s 18 local government areas, with significant victories in two of the three key battleground senatorial districts. His success was bolstered by strong alliances with Edo North's former governor Adams Oshiomhole and his running mate, federal lawmaker Dennis Idahosa. The APC's resurgence also capitalized on the fallout between outgoing governor Godwin Obaseki and his estranged deputy, Philip Shaibu.

The victory marks the APC’s return to power after losing control in 2020 when Obaseki defected to the PDP following an internal party dispute. Obaseki had campaigned hard for Ighodalo, but Okpebholo’s grassroots influence and strategic partnerships, including Oshiomhole's active support, were instrumental in the APC’s comeback.

This win now sets Okpebholo on the path to assuming leadership at the Dennis Osadebe Government House, ending a four-year PDP rule. As Edo prepares for new leadership, the focus shifts to how Okpebholo will steer the state's future.