Okpebholo Says Edo By-election Victory Confirms APC’s Mandate

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the outcome of last Saturday’s by-elections in Edo State has further validated his victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

Speaking when he received the Member-elect of Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, in Government House on Monday, Okpebholo said the results proved that the All Progressives Congress (APC) enjoys the genuine mandate and overwhelming support of Edo people. Hon. Igbinedion was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who introduced her as his successor.

According to the Governor, the by-election results were a litmus test to confirm whether APC’s triumph in 2024 was truly earned or manipulated. “Edo people cried that we stole their mandate. I waited for this election to know if we actually stole anything. But see the results — APC won 51 wards out of 51. This shows clearly that no mandate was stolen,” he said.

Okpebholo further stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been rejected by voters across the state, noting that its candidates in both past and present elections failed to secure victories even in their own wards and units. He described the outcome as a direct reflection of Edo people’s trust in APC and President Bola Tinubu, reiterating his commitment to delivering 2.5 million votes for the President in future elections.

In his remarks, Deputy Governor Idahosa said he was at Government House to officially present Hon. Igbinedion as his successor in Ovia Federal Constituency. He commended Okpebholo for providing what he described as “purposeful leadership,” which he said had strengthened APC’s hold on Edo politics.

Hon. Igbinedion, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the Governor and APC leadership for their support, promising effective representation for Ovia constituents. “I am not new to the National Assembly. I will hit the ground running, bringing my experience to bear in ensuring that projects beneficial to my people are delivered. The victory we achieved in Ovia was largely due to the Governor’s visible impact across the state,” she said.