Senator Monday Okpebholo has clinched the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Edo State, after defeating his closest rival, Dennis Idahosa, in a fresh primary election held on Thursday.
The primary election, which was supervised by the Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu, as the Chairman of Edo APC shadow poll, saw Okpebholo polling 12,433 votes, while Idahosa, who had the backing of the former Governor of the State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, got 6,541 votes.
The results were collated and declared at Lushville Hotel and Suites, Gapiona Avenue, Government Reservation Area (GRA), Benin, after voting took place in the 18 local government areas of the state.
Okpebholo, who is from Edo Central senatorial district, appreciated party members and leaders
He said: “I commend my fellow aspirants, especially Dennis Idahosa, for putting up a good fight and for accepting the outcome in good faith.
“I appeal to all APC members and supporters to unite and work together for the success of our party in the forthcoming governorship election. I assure you that I will not disappoint you and I will run an inclusive and progressive government that will cater for the needs and aspirations of all Edo people.”
Okpebholo’s victory is remarkable to the Edo Central Senatorial District, which has not produced an elected governor since the return of democracy in 1999.
The only governor from the zone, Professor Osehreinmen Osunbor, who was elected in 2007, had his election nullified by the court less than two years after he was sworn in, following a petition by the then candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Adams Oshiomhole.
Oshiomhole, who later became the governor of the state for two terms and the national chairman of the APC, had publicly declared his support for Idahosa, a 43-year-old member of the House of Representatives from Edo South senatorial district, before the primary election.
After winning the primaries, Okpebholo will now face Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and candidates from other parties, in the governorship election slated for September 21, 2024.
