The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially issued Certificates of Return to Edo State’s newly elected Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The presentation took place at INEC’s headquarters on Thursday, attended by notable figures including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and reinstated Deputy Governor Comrade Philip Shaibu.
Senator Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared the winner of the governorship election held on September 21, 2024. INEC announced that he secured a total of 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party finished third with 22,763 votes.
In the election, Okpebholo triumphed in 11 out of the 18 local government areas in Edo State, while Ighodalo won in the remaining areas.
However, the election has not been without controversy, as allegations of rigging and vote-buying have surfaced. Yiaga Africa has claimed that there were manipulations of the results during the collation process, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
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