Edo Set for Okpebholo’s Swearing-in
Safiu Kehinde
Edo state is set for power transition as governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, gets sworn-in today.
Following his victory at the September 21st governorship poll, the All Progressive Congress’ governorship candidate is set to replace Godwin Obaseki whose eight years tenure ends today.
NPO reported Okpebholo’s declaration as winner of the Edo election by the Independent National Electoral Commission after defeating the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, with 291,667 votes.
The Edo election is, however, not void of series of controversies including vote buying, and alleged manipulation of results.
The election was also not short of dramas among which included the unofficial declaration of results by the PDP governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, before INEC’s collation.
Another drama ensued during the Ward level collation where Obaseki was reportedly harassed after storming INEC’s office.
PDP had also rejected INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the election as they held that Ighodalo was the rightful winner.
These are, however, unlikely to hinder Okphebolo’s swearing-in today to open a new chapter of governance in Edo state.