Senator Monday Okpebholo has emerged as the winner of the recent Edo State governorship election, held on Saturday. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially announced the results on Sunday, confirming Okpebholo as the successful candidate representing the All Progressives Congress (APC). The election was highly competitive, reflecting the growing political dynamics in Edo State.
The results were disclosed by Prof. Faruq Adamu Kuta, the Returning Officer for the election and Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He presented the final tally at the INEC collation center in Benin City, where Okpebholo received a total of 291,667 votes, triumphing in eleven out of the eighteen Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), secured 247,274 votes, winning seven LGAs. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party finished third with a mere 22,761 votes, indicating a significant gap between the leading candidates.
Background on Edo State Governorship Winner
- Senator Monday Okpebholo was born on August 29, 1970, into the family of the late Chief and Mrs. Peter Okpebholo, hailing from the Udomi community in Uwessan-Irrua, located in the Esan Central Local Government Area.
- His father was a prominent figure from Udomi, while his mother came from the Ikekiala community in Eguare-Uromi, Esan North East LGA, illustrating a rich heritage in Edo State.
- Known affectionately as Akpakomiza, Okpebholo received his early education at Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School in his hometown.
- He pursued higher education at the University of Abuja, earning a degree in Business Administration, followed by a Master’s degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same institution.
- Okpebholo made history by winning the Edo Central Senatorial District seat under the APC on February 25, 2023, ending a 24-year dominance of the PDP in the region.
- After his victory, he was inaugurated as a Senator on June 13, 2023, representing the Edo Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, where he took on the role of chairing the Senate Committee on Public Procurement.
- His journey continued when he was declared the winner of the APC governorship primary election in Edo State on February 23, 2024, further solidifying his political influence.
- In addition to his political career, Okpebholo is an accomplished entrepreneur, with significant investments across various sectors, including hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
- He founded Chapman Computers Limited in Jos, Plateau State, and later established Interweb Satcom Limited, a key player in broadband sales and development, showcasing his commitment to technological advancement in Nigeria.
- Senator Okpebholo is happily married to Mrs. Blessing Okpapi Okpebholo and is the proud father of four children, emphasizing his dedication to family alongside his professional pursuits.
Senator Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo State governorship election marks a significant milestone in the region’s political landscape, paving the way for new policies and governance strategies in the coming years.