BREAKING: Okpebholo Declared Winner Of Edo Election Amidst Controversy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally announce Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Edo State governorship election on Saturday.

This announcement, while appearing imminent, is fraught with controversy, as the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claims massive irregularities and intends to challenge the results.

Okpebholo won 13 of the 18 local government areas, with his closest rival, PDP’s Mr. Asue Ighodalo, winning the remaining five.

The APC candidate swept Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts, taking all six and five council areas, respectively.

The PDP won five local government areas in Edo South, while the APC took the other two.

According to reports, Okpebholo won in Sen. Adams Oshiomhole’s Edo North stronghold, including Owan East and West, Etsako West and East, Etsako Central, and Akoko-Edo.

However, the PDP claimed victories in Esan West, Esan Central, Igueben, Esan North East, and Esan South East, which included both APC and PDP senatorial districts.

The Deputy Governorship race also saw a similar division. APC’s Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa claimed victory in his federal constituency of Ovia North East and Ovia South West.

In contrast, PDP’s Osarodion Ogie, the immediate past Secretary to the State Government, won in Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Egor, Orhionmwon, and Uhunmwomde.

The PDP has already announced that it intends to file a petition with the Election Petition Tribunal, alleging widespread irregularities and collusion between INEC officials and security agencies against their party.

Governor Obaseki was reportedly led out of the collation centre by security agents in the early hours of this morning, adding to the growing concerns and accusations of foul play surrounding the election.

The Edo State governorship election, which was supposed to be a contest of ideologies and development plans, has become embroiled in a legal battle, casting doubt on the state’s democratic process.