Edo Election: Oshiomhole Defends Okpebholo’s Victory, Dismisses Claims of Federal Influence

Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole has firmly rejected allegations that “Federal Might” played a role in the recent governorship election in Edo State, where Monday Okpebholo emerged victorious. Oshiomhole insists that Okpebholo won the election fairly, emphasizing that the results reflect the true will of the electorate.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo the winner after he received the highest number of votes in the election. Oshiomhole expressed confidence that Okpebholo, once sworn in, would uphold the trust placed in him by the people of Edo State. He highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, stating that Okpebholo has a responsibility to demonstrate his capability as a leader.

In an interview, Oshiomhole addressed comments from Labour Party leader Peter Obi, who has voiced concerns over the election’s legitimacy. Oshiomhole criticized Obi for appearing disconnected from local realities, suggesting that his views were based on misinformation. He pointed out that Obi’s candidate lost his polling unit to the PDP, implying that the blame for the loss should rest with them rather than the APC.

“The people of Edo voted for Okpebholo, and he has their mandate,” Oshiomhole stated. He further argued that the election was a reflection of the collective decision made by Edo residents, underscoring that Okpebholo’s victory signifies a clear mandate from the local populace.

Oshiomhole also drew attention to the historical context of elections in Edo State. He noted that allegations of federal influence have been inconsistent over the years. “In 2016, when Godwin Obaseki won, people spoke of Federal Might, and again in 2020 when the APC, under President Buhari, was in power, those claims vanished,” he remarked.

This inconsistency, he argued, demonstrates that accusations of federal coercion are often politically motivated and do not hold water when examined closely.

The senator asserted that the election was conducted fairly and without undue influence. He expressed gratitude to the Edo people for their support, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in shaping the future of the state. Oshiomhole believes that with Okpebholo in office, the state can expect positive changes and effective governance.

He concluded by stating, “Okpebholo has the opportunity to prove himself as a capable leader. We trust that he will work diligently to justify the confidence the people have placed in him.” With these remarks, Oshiomhole reinforced the notion that the recent election was a legitimate expression of the people’s will and a hopeful step toward a brighter future for Edo State.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, it remains crucial for leaders to foster a sense of unity and cooperation among the citizens to address the challenges facing the state.