Edo Governor Okpebholo Recounts Divine Intervention During Election

Edo State’s new governor, Monday Okpebholo, who recently emerged victorious in the highly competitive September 21 governorship election, shared an intriguing incident that unfolded the day after the election, attributing his victory to divine intervention. During a praise concert held as part of the festivities for his upcoming inauguration alongside Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Okpebholo revealed that he discovered a dead bat on his bed the morning after the election, a sign he believes pointed to the spiritual battles he faced but ultimately overcame through faith in God.
The praise concert, which took place in Benin City, attracted a significant crowd, including top politicians, clerics, gospel musicians from across Nigeria, and worshippers who gathered to celebrate with the newly elected leaders. Okpebholo used the opportunity to express his gratitude to God, emphasising the importance of placing trust in divine providence rather than human efforts or external powers, especially in moments of great challenge and uncertainty.
Reflecting on the tense moments leading up to and following the election, Okpebholo recounted, “In this last election on September 21, while I was praising God, others were busy trying to manipulate outcomes from their own corners—operating from national television, social media, and elsewhere. My adversaries thought I was crazy because instead of engaging in the usual political manoeuvres, I took the battle to God. They wondered what I was doing, praising God when the odds seemed against me, but I chose to listen to His voice.”
The governor described the surprising discovery he made the morning after the election. “On Sunday, September 22, 2024, I entered my room and found a dead bat on my bed. I had not shot any arrow, nor did I take any physical action, yet there it was—a symbol of the spiritual warfare I had been engaged in. But it was not my doing; it was the Spirit of God that intervened. The arrow of God settled it, and His hand delivered me from whatever was planned against me.”
For Okpebholo, the dead bat was a powerful sign of the unseen battles he faced during the election period. He interpreted the incident as a failed attempt by political adversaries or spiritual forces to thwart his victory. The governor emphasized that he relied solely on God throughout the campaign, without resorting to any traditional or mystical means. “I did not consult any native doctor, prophet, or shrine. From the senatorial election in 2023 to the governorship poll in 2024, I placed my trust entirely in God,” he declared.
As the former representative of the Edo Central Senatorial District, Okpebholo’s political journey has been marked by his firm stance on relying on divine guidance rather than conventional political strategies often employed in the region. His deputy, Dennis Idahosa, also carries a similar reputation from his tenure representing the Ovia Constituency in the Edo State House of Representatives.
Okpebholo’s story drew reactions from attendees at the praise concert, many of whom saw it as a testament to his faith and the power of prayer. The gathering, filled with worship and music, served as a Thanksgiving event for supporters and well-wishers who stood by Okpebholo and Idahosa during the challenging campaign period. Prominent figures in attendance included influential clerics and gospel musicians who had travelled from various parts of Nigeria to join in the celebration.
In his address to the audience, Okpebholo expressed his profound gratitude to religious leaders and prayer warriors who interceded on his behalf during the election period. “I am deeply thankful to the men of God who stood in the gap for me. Your prayers and unwavering belief in God’s power made a significant difference. For all Nigerians and friends of our country, I leave you with this piece of advice: trust in God alone, for He is the one who can deliver in times of trouble. He has done it for me, and He can do it for you too.”