The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, as the victor of the September 21, 2024 election.
The off-cycle election witnessed the participation of 17 candidates vying for the esteemed position at the Dennis Osadebay House in Benin City, Edo State.
The gubernatorial election took place in 4,519 polling units spread across the 18 local government areas of Edo State.
Okpebholo received backing from the former governor and lawmaker representing Edo North senatorial district, Adams Oshiomhole.
The electoral process was fiercely contested by Okpebhole, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP).
Okpebholo emerged victorious in Esan West, Owan West, Egor, Akoko-Edo, Esan Central, Orhionmwon, Etsako East, Etsako Central, Etsako West, and Oredo Local Government Areas.
The APC candidate secured a total of 291,667 votes. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amassed 247,655 votes.
Olumide Akpata, representing the Labour Party (LP), finished third, receiving a total of 22,763 votes.
Meanwhile, the PDP in Edo has appealed to the Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, to review the results collated for the governorship election before the final announcement of the election winner.
PDP Chairman in Edo, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, informed reporters in Benin that the data recorded by the electoral officers significantly differed from the actual results uploaded on the INEC IREV at the polling units.
Aziegbemi highlighted that the results had purportedly been inflated in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by deducting votes from the PDP.