Oyebanji congratulates Edo Governor-elect Okpebholo on election victory

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has extended his congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his victory in the just-concluded Edo State Governorship election.

Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes in the September 21 election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday.

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji praised the people of Edo State for entrusting the APC and its “Renewed Hope” agenda, rewarding the party with Okpebholo’s win.

He commended the electorate for making their voices heard through the ballot and congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deepening democracy in the country, noting that the Edo election outcome reflects a vote of confidence in the Tinubu administration.

Oyebanji also lauded INEC for ensuring that the election was free and fair, stating that democracy is becoming more entrenched in Nigeria as voters increasingly have the power to reward or hold political parties accountable through their votes.

The Ekiti Governor called on the Governor-elect, Okpebholo, and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, to be gracious in victory and extend an olive branch to their opponents.

He urged Okpebholo to view the election as a mandate to serve the people of Edo and implement policies that will bring progress and prosperity to the state.

“The Edo people have spoken clearly and loudly. Hearty congratulations to my brother, the Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,” said Oyebanji.

“This victory is not only a triumph for our party, the APC, but also for democracy. I commend the people of Edo State for returning the state to the progressives’ fold.”