The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday presented Certificates of Return to Edo State’s Governor-elect, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, following their victory in the governorship election. The ceremony took place at INEC’s headquarters, with notable figures such as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, members of the National Working Committee, and reinstated Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu, in attendance.
On Sunday, INEC officially declared Senator Okpebholo, the APC candidate, the winner of the election held on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, placed third with 22,763 votes.
Senator Okpebholo claimed victory in 11 out of Edo’s 18 local government areas, while Ighodalo won in the remaining seven.
Despite the official announcement, allegations of rigging and vote-buying have surfaced, casting a shadow over the electoral process. Yiaga Africa, an election observer group, has also raised concerns, accusing INEC of manipulating the results during the collation stage.
