The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, is leading the Edo State governorship election.
This election took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced results from 16 out of 18 local government areas (LGAs).
As of now, Okpebholo has received 244,549 votes, while his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has 195,954 votes.
Olumide Akpata, the candidate from the Labour Party (LP), trails significantly with just 13,348 votes.
The announcement was made by Professor Faruq Kuta, the Returning Officer and vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
Kuta confirmed that the APC has won 10 LGAs, while the PDP has secured six.
The LP has not won any local government area so far.
INEC has declared a three-hour recess to await the results from the final two LGAs.
The collation is set to resume at 5 p.m.
Voter turnout for the election has been notably low, continuing a worrying trend in Nigerian elections.
More than 2 million voters were expected to participate in this election.
However, the already reported numbers suggest significant voter apathy across the state.
The LGAs announced so far include Esan Central, Akoko Edo, Egor, Esan South-East, Ovia North-East, and others.
As results continue to come in, the atmosphere in Benin City remains tense but hopeful for the leading party.
Okpebholo expressed his gratitude to the voters and supporters during the announcement.
“I am thankful for the trust the people have shown in me,” he said.
“I promise to work for the development of Edo State.”
Meanwhile, Ighodalo acknowledged the results but vowed to keep fighting.
“We will continue to advocate for the people, no matter the outcome,” he stated.
The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as citizens await the final results from the last two LGAs.
The election is crucial for the future direction of Edo State, with both the APC and PDP eager to claim victory.
