Celebrations erupted in the All Progressives Congress (APC) situation room following the announcement of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the Edo State governorship election. Voting concluded on Saturday, September 21, 2024, and INEC began announcing results at its Head Office, which serves as the collation center in Benin, the state capital, on Sunday.
As of the latest updates, results from 16 out of 18 local government areas have been announced, with APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo leading by a margin of 48,595 votes. Okpebholo secured 244,549 votes, while his main challenger from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, garnered 195,954 votes. Olumide Akpata from the Labour Party came in third with 13,348 votes.
INEC’s Returning Officer for the election, Prof. Faruk Adamu Kuta, has temporarily suspended the collation process until 5 PM on Sunday when results from the remaining two local governments are expected.
The significant lead prompted jubilant celebrations in the APC camp, with videos showing governors, supporters, and officials singing praise songs in anticipation of victory. Among the governors present were Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Lucky Ayedatiwa of Ondo State, all joining in the festivities.