Ighodalo, Okpebholo in tight race as Edo 2024 guber election results roll in
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) begins to upload results from the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, candidates Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are locked in a fiercely competitive race.
By the time of this report, INEC had uploaded 97% of the election results onto its Results Viewing portal. Despite early morning rains that delayed the arrival of materials at polling units, voter turnout remained high across the state.
Regional Voting Dynamics
A preliminary analysis reveals that while Okpebholo is leading in the Edo North Senatorial District, Ighodalo has secured a lead in the Edo South Senatorial District. Edo State comprises 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs), divided into Edo North, South, and Central. Traditionally, Edo North is an APC stronghold, whereas the PDP has consistently performed well in Edo Central and South.
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In specific polling units, results showed a split in performance. In Ewohimi, where Ighodalo cast his vote, he garnered 200 votes compared to Okpebholo’s 45. Conversely, in Uwessan, Okpebholo dominated with 102 votes, while both Ighodalo and Labour Party candidate Akpata received just one vote each.
Face-off in Strongholds
An analysis of results from various wards indicates a close contest. In Igueben LGA, Ighodalo led with 2,778 votes against Okpebholo’s 2,189. In contrast, in Ovia North-East LGA, Okpebholo secured 1,824 votes while Ighodalo followed with 1,745. This pattern continues across other LGAs, indicating a fluctuating battle for supremacy between the two candidates.
The results from polling units in Esan Central showed the APC leading with 8,132 votes, while the PDP trailed at 6,902. Overall, Ighodalo’s total vote count is building, with his campaign expressing optimism about the final outcomes.
Claims of Electoral Fraud
While the election has largely been peaceful, allegations of voter inducement have surfaced. Both the PDP and Labour Party have accused the APC of vote-buying. Ighodalo expressed concerns about the integrity of the electoral process, stating:
“I am not happy with the process that delayed the delivery of materials. INEC had all the time to prepare, and we are not comfortable with the shenanigans that are going on.”
He claimed that votes were being bought for sums ranging from N15,000 to N20,000 and urged authorities to ensure a fair election.
In response, the APC’s Edo State leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, dismissed these allegations, asserting:
“It is laughable when I hear this kind of allegation… People turned out in large numbers to vote for us because they wanted good government.”
Election Process Assessment
As results continue to pour in, both candidates have shared their perspectives on the electoral process. Okpebholo, while expressing satisfaction with the voting, claimed his strong local support would secure him victory:
“PDP or whatever will not get one vote here because this is my home and my people love me.”
Similarly, Labour Party candidate Akpata remarked on the overall conduct of the elections, emphasizing the need for neutrality from INEC.
As the final results are expected to be collated, both parties remain on high alert, anticipating potential challenges and claims regarding the electoral outcomes.
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