Edo Decides: APC’s Okpebholo Wins With 291,667 Votes

APC’s Monday Okpebholo Wins Edo Decides Election With 291,667 Votes

iexclusivenews – In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of the nation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the hotly contested Edo State governorship election.

The election, which took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, has been the focal point of “Edo Decides,” a phrase that has dominated political discussions across Nigeria in recent weeks.

APC Triumphs in Closely Watched Edo Decides Contest

Senator Okpebholo emerged victorious after a fierce electoral battle, securing a total of 291,667 votes.

This impressive tally was enough to edge out his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes.

The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished a distant third with 22,763 votes, failing to make significant inroads even in his home local government area of Oredo.

The “Edo Decides” election saw Okpebholo clinching victory in 11 out of the 18 local government areas in the state, demonstrating broad support across Edo.

His win in key areas such as Esan West, Owan West, and Akoko Edo proved crucial in securing his mandate.

Breakdown of the Edo Decides Results

The electoral commission provided a detailed breakdown of the results, highlighting the intense competition in various local government areas:

In Igueben, APC secured 5,907 votes, PDP polled 8,470 votes, and LP got 494 votes.

In Esan West saw APC with 12,952 votes, PDP with 11,004, and LP with 342.

In Owan West recorded APC at 12,277, PDP at 11,284, and LP at 201.

In Uhunmwode, APC received 8,776 votes, PDP 9,339, and LP 769.

In Ovia North East had APC at 13,225, PDP at 15,311, and LP at 1,675.

In Esan South East showed APC with 8,398 votes, PDP with 14,199, and LP with 98.

In Egor had APC at 16,760, PDP at 14,658, and LP at 1,966.

In Akoko Edo recorded APC at 34,847, PDP at 15,865, and LP at 2,239.

In Esan Central saw APC with 10,990 votes, PDP with 8,618, and LP with 418.

In Esan North East, APC secured 10,648 votes, PDP 12,522, and LP 194.

In Ovia South West had APC at 10,150, PDP at 10,260, and LP at 849.

In Orhionmwon recorded APC at 16,059, PDP at 14,614, and LP at 556.

In Owan East saw APC with 19,380 votes, PDP with 14,189, and LP with 446.

In Etsako East had APC at 20,167, PDP at 9,683, and LP at 604.

In Etsako Central recorded APC at 11,906, PDP at 8,455, and LP at 381.

In Etsako West saw APC with 32,107 votes, PDP with 17,483, and LP with 2,116.

In Oredo had APC at 30,780, PDP at 24,938, and LP at 5,389.

In Ikpoba Okha recorded APC at 16,338, LP at 4,026, and PDP at 26,382.

These results paint a picture of a closely fought election, with margins of victory varying significantly across different areas.

Controversy Surrounds Edo Decides Outcome

Despite the official declaration, the “Edo Decides” election has not been without controversy.

PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, describing it as potentially the worst in Nigeria’s history.

During a live press conference, Ighodalo detailed numerous alleged irregularities, focusing particularly on what he claimed were manipulations by INEC.

One of the most significant issues highlighted was the discrepancy in Ikpoba/Okha Ologbo polling units, where results were announced despite zero accredited voters being recorded.

These allegations have cast a shadow over the “Edo Decides” process, potentially setting the stage for legal challenges in the coming weeks.

Political Tensions Escalate in Edo Decides Aftermath

The lead-up to the “Edo Decides” election was marked by heightened political rhetoric, with outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki describing the contest as a “do-or-die” affair.

This statement, made during the PDP’s final campaign rally in Oredo Local Government Area, underscored the high stakes involved in the election.

Obaseki’s provocative comments, which included questioning the educational qualifications of opposing candidates, added fuel to an already tense political atmosphere.

The governor’s stance highlighted the deep divisions and intense competition that characterized the “Edo Decides” campaign period.

As Edo State prepares for a transition of power, the aftermath of the “Edo Decides” election promises to be as eventful as the campaign itself.

With allegations of irregularities and the possibility of legal challenges looming, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term implications of this historic vote.

The “Edo Decides” election has once again brought to the forefront the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic process.

As the dust settles on this fiercely contested race, all eyes will be on how the various political actors respond to the results and what this means for the future of governance in Edo State.