How Okpebholo Overcame Challenges On The Path To Osadebe House

How Okpebholo Overcame Challenges On The Path To Osadebe House

For Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress candidate in the Edo State governorship election, the journey was filled with anxiety. Yet, he ultimately aligned the key elements in his favor, allowing him to realize his ambition of becoming the next occupant of Osadebe House, writes ’Laolu Afolabi…….CONTINUE READING 

The Independent National Electoral Commission conducted the much-anticipated governorship election in Edo State on Saturday. Leading up to the election, tensions ran high due to heated exchanges and threats among the competing political parties. To ensure a peaceful electoral process, over 43,000 police officers and additional security personnel were deployed across the state by Friday.

Despite the anxiety and potential for unrest, the election proceeded with relative calm. Voters fulfilled their civic duties amid concerns about political maneuvering. Although the election wasn’t completely free from the usual political antics, it avoided the widespread violence that many had feared.

At the conclusion of the election, Okpebholo garnered 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, who received 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, failed to create the expected surprise, earning only 22,763 votes.

Initially a three-candidate race, the contest evolved into a fierce showdown between the PDP and APC. This electoral battle represented a struggle for supremacy between two prominent figures: former governor Adams Oshiomhole and the incumbent Godwin Obaseki. There were also concerns over zoning, as Edo Central sought to produce Obaseki’s successor. Historically, Edo South had two governors, Lucky Igbinedion and Obaseki, while Edo North had Oshiomhole’s eight-year term. Edo Central’s brief tenure came with Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, who was ousted by Oshiomhole.

The lead-up to Saturday’s election was marked by suspense and anxiety for all involved. The major parties—PDP, APC, and Labour—faced issues with their primaries. However, they resolved most legal and internal conflicts before the election, leaving only the APC with minor scars.

The APC primary election, conducted on February 17, 2024, was fraught with controversy. A committee led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma oversaw the process. Tensions escalated when prominent aspirant Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu withdrew. Three candidates emerged from the primary, with Dennis Idahosa declared the winner by the Uzodimma committee, while Okpebholo was recognized by the Chief Returning Officer, Dr. Stanley Ogboaja. Anamero Dekeri was also declared a candidate.

This situation prompted an emergency APC meeting, resulting in the February 17 primary being deemed inconclusive. Some aspirants petitioned President Bola Tinubu, blaming Oshiomhole for alleged mismanagement, a sentiment echoed by former Ekiti Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi. However, the President did not hold Oshiomhole accountable, instead promoting fair play.

A new committee was formed, led by Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, to conduct the primary again on February 22, 2024. At this rescheduled election, Okpebholo emerged as the party’s candidate, though Idahosa challenged the results in court, while Oshiomhole maintained a distance from the dispute.

Determined to promote unity, the President convened a stakeholders’ meeting on March 18, attended by Oshiomhole, Okpebholo, and other key figures. The national leadership agreed to nominate Idahosa as Okpebholo’s running mate, contingent upon his withdrawal of legal challenges. Afterward, Oshiomhole expressed confidence in the party’s direction.

On April 3, 2024, party leaders, including Okpebholo and Idahosa, met at Oshiomhole’s residence to address any lingering issues from the primaries. Oshiomhole declared that the post-primary crisis had been resolved, coinciding with the party welcoming former PDP members into its fold.

By July 5, Oshiomhole had taken the lead in Okpebholo’s campaign, meeting with the President alongside other party leaders. The party also successfully managed the return of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu to the APC after he fell out with Obaseki and participated in a parallel PDP primary.

Through strategic maneuvering and conflict resolution, Okpebholo ultimately emerged victorious, positioning himself as the next governor of Edo State.