Former President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo State governorship election as “historic”. Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, secured 291,667 votes to defeat Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rival Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes.
“I congratulate Senator Monday Okpebholo on this historic victory,” Buhari said in a statement. “This victory is a testament to the people’s faith in our great party, the APC, and its progressive ideals.”
Buhari expressed optimism that the incoming government would work collaboratively to strengthen democracy and maintain Edo State’s development trajectory. “I pray for a new lease of life for Edo State and its people,” he added.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo the winner on Sunday, with Prof. Faruk Kuta announcing the results. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.
Buhari commended law enforcement agencies for ensuring a peaceful election, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation in moving Edo State forward. “I urge the incoming government to work with everyone to strengthen democracy and maintain the state’s development momentum,” he said.
With Okpebholo’s historic win, the APC has reaffirmed its stronghold on Edo State, and attention now shifts to the incoming administration’s ability to deliver on its campaign promises and drive progress in the state.
