The highly anticipated 2024 Edo State governorship election took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, as scheduled. Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress emerged victorious with 291,667 votes, defeating 17 other candidates including his rival, PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes. The APC won 10 out of the 18 local government areas, while the PDP won eight. The election results were declared by the Returning Officer, Prof Faruk Kuta.
The Election Day Data Room Faculty of Kimpact Development Initiative, an accredited Domestic Observer for INEC, shared their observations. They noted the peaceful conduct of the election, effectiveness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, and well-trained Poll Officials. However, challenges like late commencement of voting and reported incidents of vote buying were also highlighted.
Despite the imperfections, the election was described as largely peaceful, with no recorded deaths. The Voter Accreditation System worked well in preventing fraud, and Poll Officials carried out their duties professionally. However, issues like late start of voting and reported vote buying were noted by observer groups.
In conclusion, the Edo State governorship election of 2024 was not without flaws, but the ultimate judgment lies with the courts to determine its compliance with electoral laws. Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Governor-Elect, was congratulated with hopes for a successful tenure in office.