Edo State Governor-Elect, Monday Okpebholo, Vows to Get to Work

Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that it’s time for him to roll up his sleeves and get to work, following the official presentation of certificates of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) . Okpebholo, who won the governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 291,667 votes, winning 11 out of 18 Local Government Areas.

The certificates were handed over by INEC’s National Commissioner for Edo State, Rhoda Gumus, five days after Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were declared winners. Okpebholo’s closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,274 votes, winning seven LGAs, while the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,761 votes.

Upon receiving his certificate, Okpebholo expressed his commitment to serving the people of Edo State, saying, “I feel very happy, and it is time for me to work, and that is what I am going to do”. A former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, praised the outcome, stating that the new administration would respect the people and traditional institutions.

“Edo people now have a new government who will not disrespect the people. We now have a governor that respects the traditional institutions and knows what is good for the people of Edo State,” Oshiomole said . The ceremony, held in Benin City, was attended by notable figures, including APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and court-reinstated Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu.

Okpebholo’s victory marks a significant milestone in his political career, which has been characterized by a steady climb from grassroots to national prominence . As a senator representing Edo Central, Okpebholo has advocated for empowering women and youth through his philanthropic efforts.

With his inauguration set to take place on November 11, Okpebholo is poised to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki.