Monday Okpebholo sworn-in as Edo State Governor, takes over from Obaseki
The inauguration concludes a politically intriguing season in Edo State
Monday Okpebholo has been inaugurated as the governor of Edo State, bringing an end to Godwin Obaseki’s eight-year tenure.
The inauguration ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the state capital, two months after the All Progressives Congress (APC) secured the ticket to the Dennis Osadebay House.
Okpebholo took his oath of office alongside his running mate, Dennis Idahosa. The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu, APC governors, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, and former Edo governor Adams Oshiomhole, among others.
Their inauguration concludes a politically intriguing season in Edo State, characterized by former allies turning against one another and political godfathers clashing with their mentees.
In the keenly contested election held on September 21, Okpebholo defeated Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The APC candidate received 291,667 votes, while his main rival garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came in a distant third with 22,763 votes, in an election that featured fourteen candidates.
Despite the backing of then-governor Obaseki, the PDP failed to maintain its grip on power in Edo State, relinquishing it to the APC, where Obaseki initially secured his first ticket for the governorship.
Analysts suggest that the APC’s reclaiming of Edo State reflects the fractured relationship between Philip Shuaibu (who served as Obaseki’s deputy) and the influence of Oshiomhole, which facilitated Okpebholo’s rise to power.
However, the PDP has disputed the election results, claiming that its mandate was stolen. The party has vowed to challenge Okpebholo’s victory, arguing that it does not reflect the will of the people. ticket for the governorship.
Analysts suggest that the APC’s reclaiming of Edo State reflects the fractured relationship between Philip Shuaibu (who served as Obaseki’s deputy) and the influence of Oshiomhole, which facilitated Okpebholo’s rise to power.
However, the PDP has disputed the election results, claiming that its mandate was stolen. The party has vowed to challenge Okpebholo’s victory, arguing that it does not reflect the will of the people. More
