In a closely contested primary election, Sen. Monday Okpebholo has emerged as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the upcoming governorship election in Edo State. Representing Edo Central at the National Assembly, Sen. Okpebholo garnered 12,433 votes to defeat 11 other aspirants in the contest.
The announcement was made by Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River, who served as the chairman of the APC supplementary primary election. Otu declared Sen. Okpebholo the winner of the election on Friday in Benin, marking a significant victory in the lead up to the Sept. 21 governorship election.
The journey to Sen. Okpebholo’s victory was not without its challenges. Gov. Hope Uzodinma had initially declared Rep Dennis Idahosa, a member representing Ovia Federal Constituency, as the winner of the primaries back in February. However, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC overturned the victory and deemed the election inconclusive.
Following the committee’s decision, a supplementary primary election was conducted on Thursday with Gov. Otu taking over as chairman. Despite leading in the initial ballot, Rep Dennis Idahosa fell short in the re-run and garnered 6,541 votes, ultimately paving the way for Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s victory.
As the APC candidate for the Edo governorship election, Sen. Okpebholo will now embark on the campaign trail in a bid to secure a win for the party come Sept. 21.
