BENIN CITY, Nigeria (ChatnewsTV) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the governorship election held on Saturday in Edo State.
Okpebholo, 54, secured 291,667 votes, outpacing Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) trailed behind with 22,761 votes.
Faruk Kuta, the INEC returning officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, announced the results Sunday after several recesses. “Monday Okpebholo of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected,” Kuta said.
The APC candidate clinched victory in over 10 of the 18 local government areas in the state, while the PDP candidate managed narrow wins in the remaining councils. Okpebholo’s triumph was further bolstered by his party’s dominance in two of the three battleground senatorial districts, securing a significant advantage.
Okpebholo, who currently serves as the senator for Edo Central, leveraged strong support from his home district. His alliance with fellow National Assembly member Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, was key in overcoming the PDP’s challenge.
The victory solidifies the APC’s influence in Edo State, with political observers highlighting the critical role played by party unity and grassroots mobilization in the electoral outcome.
INEC praised the peaceful conduct of the election, despite concerns over voter turnout and logistical delays in some areas.
