Edo State, Nigeria – 22nd September 2024The candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Senator Monday Okpebholo, are locked in a fierce contest as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to upload results from Saturday’s governorship election in Edo State.
As of the latest updates, INEC has uploaded 97 percent of the election results onto the Results Viewing portal, showcasing a highly competitive atmosphere. Despite early morning rains that delayed the arrival of materials at polling units, voter turnout remained robust across the state, indicating a strong engagement from the electorate.
Preliminary analyses of the results indicate that while the APC candidate is leading in the Edo North Senatorial District, the PDP candidate holds an advantage in the Edo South Senatorial District. Edo State is divided into 18 Local Government Areas, traditionally with the APC dominating Edo North and the PDP showing strength in Edo Central and South. However, the dynamics have shifted since the last senatorial election, where an APC candidate emerged victorious in Edo Central.
Candidates Win Polling Units
Both Ighodalo and Okpebholo managed to secure victories in their respective polling units, while the Labour Party candidate, Akpata, faced significant challenges. In Ewohimi, Unit 11, Ward 1 of Esan South-East LGA, Ighodalo received 200 votes compared to Okpebholo’s 45. Conversely, in Uwessan, Unit 03, Ward 1 in Esan Central LGA, Okpebholo triumphed with 102 votes, while Ighodalo and Akpata each received just one vote.
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent APC leader, also delivered his polling unit for the APC, with 403 votes at Iyamho, Ward 10, Unit 01 in Etsako West LGA. Meanwhile, in the Oredo LGA, where Governor Godwin Obaseki cast his vote, the PDP garnered 127 votes against the APC’s 35.
Face-Off in Strongholds
Calculations from the results uploaded on INEC’s IReV suggest a neck-and-neck race between the two candidates. In Igueben LGA, Ighodalo led with 2,778 votes from 43 polling units, while Okpebholo followed with 2,189 votes. In Ikpoba/Okha LGA, Ighodalo again led with 3,412 votes compared to Okpebholo’s 1,232 votes.
However, the APC candidate gained ground in other areas, such as Uhunmwode LGA, where he led with 2,574 votes against Ighodalo’s 2,172. Overall, the results from various Local Government Areas demonstrate a divided electorate, with both candidates showing strength in different regions.
Allegations of Vote-Buying and Electoral Fraud
While the election has been largely peaceful, both parties have accused each other of electoral malpractice, including vote-buying. The PDP has alleged that the APC engaged in cash inducement, claiming reports of voters being offered between N10,000 to N20,000 to sway their choices. Ighodalo stated, “We are not comfortable with the little shenanigans that are going on,” expressing concerns over delayed voting materials and alleged attempts to undermine the election process.
In a statement, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called for the cancellation of results from polling units where fraud was reported. Ighodalo himself noted the importance of a fair election process, stating, “I believe INEC will deliver a free and fair election until they prove otherwise.”
In contrast, Oshiomhole dismissed the allegations against the APC as laughable, emphasizing that voters turned out in large numbers based on their desire for good governance rather than monetary incentives. Okpebholo also expressed satisfaction with the electoral process, praising INEC for a well-conducted election.
Awaiting Final Results
As of 11 PM on Saturday, the final results collation had yet to commence at the INEC state collation center in Benin City. With both parties trading accusations and the electorate eagerly awaiting the final outcome, the race for the governorship of Edo State remains one of the most closely contested in recent history. The results, once finalized, will determine the direction of governance in Edo State for the coming years, as both candidates have expressed their commitment to serving the people.