Governor-Elect Okpebholo vows to serve Edo people, Oshiomhole hails victory
By Kunle Sanni
The Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, has pledged to serve the people of Edo with dedication and commitment, promising significant development across the state.
Speaking to State House reporters after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday, where he presented his certificate of return from INEC following his recent election victory, Okpebholo assured residents that his administration would focus on education, infrastructure, and inclusive governance.
“For me, I’m coming as a servant to serve the Edo people. That is what is required of me, and that is exactly what I’m going to do,” Okpebholo said. “You will soon see a lot of development coming to Edo. We are going to employ teachers and renovate our schools. With time, you will see that a new dawn has arrived.”
When asked about collaborating with the opposition, Okpebholo expressed openness, stating, “If they have ideas that are beautiful and acceptable to the people, my door is open to everyone.”
He also urged the opposition to accept the election outcome in good faith. “They have to bear it. It has happened. If I had lost, I would have congratulated the winner by now, and I expect them to congratulate me.”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a key political figure in Edo State and former governor, praised Okpebholo’s victory and the return of Edo State to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He emphasized that Okpebholo’s victory was divinely ordained, likening it to the party’s reclaiming of the state in 2007.
“Only God can confer power. Man can make all the effort, but if God chooses not to crown it, it will be in vain. I am excited not only because we have reclaimed Edo, but because the people will now have a governor they can touch, hug, and who will open doors,” Oshiomhole said.
He highlighted Okpebholo’s compassion and humility, qualities he believes will define his governance. “We have a man with compassion, with human feeling. Governance is not just about building roads and schools; it’s about that human touch—a governor with empathy who understands that public trust is sacred.”
Oshiomhole also criticized the outgoing administration, accusing it of mismanagement, particularly in the education sector. “Monday’s job is well cut out for him. Edo people cannot wait to see a new approach to governance. His task is to rebuild our schools, employ teachers, and clean up the mess left behind.”
Addressing the opposition, Oshiomhole urged them to accept the results and work towards the state’s progress. “In a genuine democracy, there is no loser. If Monday Okpebholo does all the things he has promised—employ teachers, rebuild schools, support farmers—everyone wins.”
He further encouraged the opposition to follow the example of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who persevered through multiple losses before finally securing victory.
“If you’ve lost, it doesn’t mean it’s over. It’s just not your time yet. Let us all join forces to ensure that Edo people enjoy the benefits of democracy and good governance,” Oshiomhole added.
In the election, Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, winning 11 out of the 18 Local Government Areas in the state. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party garnered 247,274 votes, winning seven LGAs, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party came a distant third with 22,761 votes.
