President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his satisfaction with the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) victory in the just-concluded Edo State governorship election, where the party’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, emerged as the winner.
In his congratulatory message, President Tinubu hailed the APC’s triumph as a reflection of the people’s will and the strength of democracy in Edo State.
The election, held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, saw Okpebholo secure 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Speaking after the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), President Tinubu lauded the voters for their peaceful conduct during the electoral process and expressed his confidence in the governor-elect’s ability to deliver effective governance to the people of Edo State.
“Monday Okpebholo’s victory is not only a testament to the APC’s strong presence in Edo but also an endorsement of his plans for development and progress,” the President stated.
In addition to congratulating the APC and its supporters, President Tinubu urged any aggrieved political parties or candidates to seek redress through the legal system, rather than resorting to violence or disruptive actions. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the judicial process as the foundation of Nigeria’s democratic framework.
“To those who feel dissatisfied with the election results, I encourage you to pursue your grievances through the courts, as provided by our legal system. Our democracy thrives when we respect institutions and resolve disputes peacefully,” President Tinubu added.
The President’s remarks come amid reports of dissatisfaction from opposition parties, including the PDP, whose candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has expressed concerns over alleged irregularities during the election. However, INEC has maintained that the election was free, fair, and transparent, with the results reflecting the will of the people.
Okpebholo’s victory marks a significant moment for the APC in Edo State, reaffirming the party’s leadership after a closely contested race. As the governor-elect prepares to take office, attention will now shift to his plans for addressing the state’s pressing issues, including economic development, infrastructure, and security.
INEC’s Returning Officer, Prof. Faruk Kuta, who is also the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, announced Okpebholo’s victory, stating that the APC candidate had satisfied all legal requirements to be declared the winner.
This election has been seen as a major political event in Nigeria, drawing attention from across the nation as the first gubernatorial election under President Tinubu’s administration. With the APC celebrating its success, the coming weeks are expected to feature legal challenges as opposition parties evaluate their next steps.