Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the outcome of the recent by-election in the state has put to rest all doubts surrounding the legitimacy of his electoral victory in the 2024 governorship race. According to the governor, the results not only confirmed the strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the state but also validated the overwhelming mandate given to him by Edo people.
Governor Okpebholo made this assertion on Monday during a reception for the newly elected Member of the House of Representatives for Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion. She was introduced by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, who led her on a thank-you visit to Government House.
Reflecting on the outcome of the August 16 by-election, the governor said the results were a litmus test for his earlier victory in the September 2024 gubernatorial election. With the APC securing a clean sweep winning all 51 wards in Edo Central the governor said the people had clearly reaffirmed their trust and choice.
“I waited patiently for this by-election because I wanted the people to speak again. They said we stole their mandate. But what we saw was the opposite. The APC didn’t just win—we won convincingly. That’s the voice of the people,” Okpebholo stated.
He emphasized that even PDP candidates and former leaders lost in their own wards and units, a clear signal that the electorate had moved on and aligned with APC’s vision for the state. He praised the people for standing with the party and assured them that his administration remains committed to delivering good governance.
“Edo is APC. The people have spoken. We love President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and our goal to deliver 2.5 million votes for him in future elections is a commitment we’re ready to work tirelessly to fulfill,” the governor added.
Deputy Governor Idahosa, in his remarks, introduced Hon. Igbinedion as his successor in the House of Representatives and praised the governor’s leadership as instrumental in the party’s continued victories.
“There was a by-election in Ovia, and the people have spoken again. I’m here to present my successor to you and also to thank you for the leadership that made this possible,” he said.
Hon. Igbinedion, expressing her gratitude, assured her constituents that she would waste no time in getting to work. As a returning legislator with experience in the National Assembly, she pledged to bring impactful representation to the people of Ovia.
“The support we received was a reflection of the people’s confidence not just in me, but in the governor’s developmental strides across the state. I am ready to serve and will not let Ovia down,” she said.
With the by-election now concluded, Governor Okpebholo believes the political landscape in Edo is clearer than ever his administration enjoys a firm mandate, and the APC remains the people’s choice.
