The Edo governorship election has come and gone, and Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has emerged victorious, securing 291,667 votes.
Here are the key takeaways from the election:
- Beyond Social Media: The outcome underscores that elections aren’t won on social media platforms, but through grassroots engagement.
- Braving the Elements: Voters defied rain and thunderstorms to cast their ballots, demonstrating resilience
- Grassroots Appeal: Okpebholo’s victory is attributed to his connection with the people, rather than eloquence.
- PDP Performance: Asue Ighodalo secured 247,274 votes, emerging second.
- Labour Party’s Struggle: Olumide Akpata failed to win any Local Government Area (LGA) garnering only 22,763 votes.
- INEC’s Efficiency: Over 96% of results were uploaded to the INEC-iREV Website by 10:00pm on election day.
- Inclusive Voting: The elderly, youth, and persons with disabilities voted without disenfranchisement.
- Peaceful Process: No incidents of ballot snatching were reported
- Impact of Defection: Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu’s defection to APC proved beneficial.
The implications of this election are far-reaching. It highlights the importance of grassroots engagement in Nigerian Politics, the need for INEC’s efficiency and transparency in conducting credible elections, and the importance of political parties prioritizing inclusivity and diversity. The Labour Party’s Performance suggests a need for strategic reevaluation.
As the new governor – elect, Okpebholo has promised to empower women and elevate the state, he plans to provide soft loans to women, allocate 35% of his cabinet to women, encourage mechanized farming,. employ 500 teachers, and provide pipe-borne water to citizens.
His swearing-in is scheduled for November 12, 2024.
