President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have congratulated Senator Monday Okpebholo on his victory in the Edo State governorship election held on Saturday.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo, the APC candidate, as the winner after he secured 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 (LP) came in third with 22,763 votes.
In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu praised Okpebholo’s victory as a reflection of the people’s trust in the ruling party’s progressive vision and economic reforms.
He urged the governor-elect to view his win as a “challenging call to service” and to extend a hand of cooperation to his political rivals, focusing on uniting the people of Edo State for its development.
Tinubu also encouraged those dissatisfied with the election outcome to seek redress through legal means, while commending INEC and security agencies for ensuring a free and fair election.
Former President Buhari, in a message through his spokesperson Garba Shehu, hailed the victory as historic and emphasized the need for both the incoming administration and opposition to work together to strengthen democracy and continue the state’s development.
APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje described Okpebholo’s triumph as a reflection of the people’s confidence in the leadership of President Tinubu and the APC. Ganduje expressed optimism that under Okpebholo’s leadership, Edo State would experience unprecedented growth and peace.