APC’s Okpebholo is on the verge of victory in the Edo governorship election, having won 10 out of the 16 local government areas announced by INEC. Get the latest election updates.

In the ongoing Edo State governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is steadily coasting towards victory after securing wins in 10 out of the 16 local government areas (LGAs) announced so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

As results continue to trickle in, Okpebholo’s stronghold across multiple regions has become apparent, positioning him as the front-runner in the highly competitive race. His victories in key local government areas have provided him with a comfortable lead over his opponents, including the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

INEC, which has been updating the results in real-time through its Results Viewing Portal (IReV), has so far declared results from 16 of the 18 local government areas in the state. The remaining two LGAs are expected to be announced later today, but with Okpebholo already holding a commanding position, many analysts predict that it will be difficult for the PDP to catch up.

Breakdown of Okpebholo’s Wins

Senator Okpebholo has dominated in several key areas, including the Edo North Senatorial District, where his political influence is particularly strong. His focus on infrastructure development, rural electrification, and job creation appears to have struck a chord with the electorate, especially in areas that have historically supported the APC.

Out of the 16 LGAs announced so far, Okpebholo has clinched victories in the following local governments:

1. Etsako East
2. Etsako West
3. Owan East
4. Owan West
5. Akoko-Edo
6. Orhionmwon
7. Esan North-East
8. Uhunmwonde
9. Egor
10. Ikpoba-Okha

These victories have given Okpebholo a strong lead and made it increasingly challenging for his closest rivals to narrow the gap.

PDP’s Asue Ighodalo Faces an Uphill Battle

Despite a strong campaign effort and significant support in certain regions, PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo has struggled to maintain momentum as more results come in. Ighodalo has managed to secure victories in some of the remaining LGAs, but the overwhelming support for Okpebholo in key battleground areas has significantly hurt his chances of overtaking the APC candidate.

Political commentators have noted that Ighodalo’s popularity in Edo South Senatorial District, particularly in Benin City, may not be enough to reverse the trend set by Okpebholo’s sweeping victories in the northern and central parts of the state. However, with two LGAs yet to declare results, the final outcome still hangs in the balance, though Okpebholo’s chances of securing the governorship appear increasingly certain.

INEC’s Transparent Process

INEC has been widely praised for its handling of the election so far, with the Results Viewing Portal (IReV) allowing for real-time updates and a transparent process. The use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has also contributed to a smoother and more credible election process, reducing instances of voter fraud and ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in the results.

As the remaining two LGAs prepare to announce their results, citizens across Edo State are glued to their screens, awaiting the official confirmation of what seems to be an inevitable victory for Senator Monday Okpebholo and the APC.

Final Results Expected Soon

With only two local government areas left to declare, all eyes remain on INEC to officially conclude the results of the governorship election. Okpebholo’s campaign team has already begun celebrating what they see as a significant victory for the APC, while PDP supporters hold out hope for a last-minute turnaround.

Regardless of the final tally, this election marks an important chapter in Edo State’s political history, with Okpebholo poised to take the reins and lead the state for the next four years. The focus will now shift to the tasks ahead, as Edo citizens eagerly await the official announcement of their new governor.

Stay tuned for more updates as INEC continues the process of declaring the final results of this closely watched election.