President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the governor-elect and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Monday Okpebholo on his victory in the Edo State governorship election, held on Saturday.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) national leaders, Edo State leaders, and party governors for their hard work in securing the victory.
“The people of Edo State have spoken, and their choice is a testament to the APC’s progressive ideals and commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu urged Senator Okpebholo to demonstrate magnanimity in victory and reach out to his political rivals to unite the people of Edo State.
The President also commended other candidates for their contributions to advancing Nigeria’s democracy, noting that the peaceful election showcased Nigeria’s stability.
Tinubu encouraged those aggrieved by the election outcome to seek redress through legal channels.
Additionally, the President praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies for conducting a successful and peaceful election.
“INEC has once again demonstrated its commitment to organizing free and fair elections in our country,” Tinubu said.
INEC’s declaration
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious in the Edo State governorship election, with their candidate, Monday Okpebholo, taking the top spot.
He garnered 291,667 votes, outpacing Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who secured 247,655 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who trailed behind with 22,763 votes.
The APC won in 11 local governments, while the PDP triumphed in seven. Monday Okpebholo, the governor-elect, is a serving Senator representing Edo Central at the National Assembly.
PDP kicks
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has vehemently rejected the outcome of the Edo State governorship election, citing widespread irregularities and manipulation.
The party’s chairman in Edo State, Dan Orbih, addressed a press conference, outlining the PDP’s grievances such as alleged manipulation of electoral materials, intimidation of PDP agents and supporters by security personnel, vote-buying, as well as discrepancies in vote counting and collation.
*INEC’s Response
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has defended the election’s credibility. “We followed due process and ensured transparency throughout the electoral process,” said INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Edo State.
*Next Steps
The PDP is expected to challenge the election results in court, seeking redress for alleged electoral malpractices.
The party has vowed to exhaust all legal avenues to ensure justice.