APC’s Okpebholo Declared Winner of Edo Governorship Election by INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the Edo governorship election held on Saturday.

Prof. Faruk Kuta, INEC’s Returning Officer and Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, announced the result on Sunday in Benin City after collating results from the 18 local government areas of the state.

Sen. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished third with 22,763 votes.

Prof. Kuta declared, “Okpebholo Monday of the APC, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner and returned elected.”

The breakdown of the results shows that the APC won in 11 local government areas, while the PDP triumphed in 7.

The governor-elect, Okpebholo, currently serves as a senator representing Edo Central at the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, PDP’s agent at the collation center, Mr. Osaigbovo Iyhoa, demanded a suspension of the declaration, citing alleged irregularities across multiple local government areas. The PDP has submitted a petition to INEC, urging a review of the raised concerns before proceeding with the final declaration.

Atiku, Fubara Arrive Benin for PDP’s Edo Gubernatorial Campaign Finale

Ahead of the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial elections, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains, including 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, have arrived in Benin for the party’s campaign grand finale.

Joining Atiku is Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, both of whom are in Edo to bolster support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, ahead of the September 21 election.

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The grand finale rally, set to take place in Oredo, Benin City, marks the PDP’s final push to secure victory in the closely watched gubernatorial race.

Peter Obi Dismisses Claims of Accepting 2027 Vice Presidential Role

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has refuted claims that he agreed to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. The former Anambra State Governor addressed the issue via a series of posts on his official X account on Saturday, accusing certain groups of misinterpreting his recent interview.

Obi emphasized that his remarks during the News Central TV interview had been deliberately distorted by propagandists, and he reiterated his unwavering commitment to the Labour Party and Nigeria’s progress.

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Clarifying his stance, Obi stated, “I am not focused on 2027 when Nigerians are grappling with hunger, poverty, insecurity, and other urgent challenges.” He noted that he is open to partnerships, but only with individuals whose intentions align with advancing the country, not capturing state power.

Obi further stressed that his priority is to address pressing national issues, including bringing millions of out-of-school children back into classrooms and combating poverty. He categorically denied any agreement to serve as a vice president, saying, “For the avoidance of doubt, I never stated at any time that I would be vice president to anyone.”

Despite the rumors, Obi reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s development, insisting that true progress can be achieved without necessarily holding political office.