The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has made significant progress in the collation of results from the Edo State governorship election. As of the most recent update, INEC has uploaded results from 4,259 out of the 4,519 polling units, which represents 94.25% of the total polling units in the state. These results are accessible to the public on the INEC Results Viewing (IREV) portal, allowing for greater transparency in the election process.
However, despite the availability of these results on the IREV portal, the official outcome of the election will not be determined solely based on this data. INEC still has to collect and verify results from each of the Local Government Areas (LGAs) across the state, after which the final results will be announced. This process will ensure that all votes are properly counted and that any discrepancies are addressed before the final winner is declared.
The Edo State governorship election has been a fierce contest, primarily among three front-runners from the major political parties:
1. Asue Ighodalo – Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)
2. Monday Okpebholo – All Progressives Congress (APC)
3. Olumide Akpata – Labour Party (LP)
Throughout the election, these candidates have garnered significant attention and support, with Ighodalo and Okpebholo emerging as the strongest contenders based on the preliminary results uploaded on the IREV portal. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, while gaining considerable backing from certain sections of the electorate, appears to be trailing behind the two leading candidates.
The election in Edo State has not been without its challenges. Several polling units experienced delays in the commencement of voting, prompting INEC to extend voting hours to ensure that all eligible voters had the opportunity to cast their ballots. In certain areas, voting continued well beyond the scheduled closing time, with the electoral officers remaining vigilant to ensure every vote was counted.
Moreover, senior citizens were seen participating actively in the election, especially in areas like Ewohimi, where many turned out to cast their votes in support of Asue Ighodalo of the PDP. The high level of participation from older voters was a notable feature of the day, reflecting the importance many placed on choosing the next leader for the state.
Ahead of the election, there were widespread concerns regarding the potential for violence and electoral malpractice, particularly in known hotspots within the state. In response, INEC, alongside security agencies, emphasized their commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election. Security measures were heightened across Edo, with police and military personnel deployed to ensure the safety of both voters and election materials.
Despite isolated reports of violence and disruptions in some LGAs, the general atmosphere remained relatively calm. INEC officials assured the public that they were closely monitoring the situation and would take necessary action to maintain the integrity of the election. As of now, there have been no significant incidents that would warrant a postponement or cancellation of results in any major areas.
One persistent issue observed during the election was the reported cases of voter inducement. Some political parties were alleged to have offered monetary gifts and other material incentives to sway voters in their favor. At Uselu Market in Egor LGA, traders reported receiving cash gifts from both the PDP and APC candidates. Similar incidents were noted in the Amiebokhian community in Esan North East LGA and the Ubiaja community in Esan South LGA.
While voter inducement remains a challenge in Nigerian elections, it is not expected to have a decisive impact on the overall results in Edo State. INEC and local observer groups have raised concerns about such practices, but they remain confident that the integrity of the election process will be upheld.
As INEC continues with the collation process at the LGA level, the people of Edo eagerly await the official declaration of their next governor. President Bola Tinubu has urged all stakeholders to respect the democratic process and allow the will of the people to prevail. In a statement released by his Special Adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized the need for all candidates and their supporters to “respect the rules of the game” and ensure that the election remains peaceful and credible.
While the results from the IREV portal provide a glimpse into the direction of the election, it is only after INEC’s official collation that the final outcome will be known. The contest between Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo remains tight, with Olumide Akpata’s chances diminishing as more results come in. Regardless of the eventual winner, the election marks a critical moment in Edo State’s democratic process, and all eyes will remain on INEC as they complete their work and announce the next leader of the state.
As Edo State approaches the final stages of determining its next governor, the anticipation continues to build. The high voter turnout, security measures, and transparency efforts by INEC underscore the importance of this election for the state’s future. With over 94% of the polling unit results already uploaded, it won’t be long before the official winner is declared. Until then, the people of Edo wait with bated breath for the conclusion of what has been an intense and closely watched electoral process.
