Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has declared that the outcome of last Saturday’s by-elections in Edo State has reaffirmed the legitimacy of his victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

Governor Okpebholo made the remarks on Monday while receiving the Member-elect of Ovia Federal Constituency, Hon. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, who paid him a thank-you visit alongside the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo said the resounding victories of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the by-elections confirm that the Edo people genuinely entrusted the party with their mandate.

“This by-election has shown that Edo people have spoken. Some claimed we stole their mandate, but the results prove otherwise. The APC won all 51 wards in the Edo Central Senatorial District by-election, a clear reflection that the people freely voted for us. No mandate was stolen,” the governor said.

He further pointed out that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost across its strongholds, with its candidates including former election chairmen failing to win in their own wards and units.

Okpebholo stressed that Edo is firmly an APC state, reaffirming his administration’s loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commitment to delivering the promised 2.5 million votes for the APC in future elections.

“Edo is APC, and we love our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Our promises of securing 2.5 million votes remain a task that must be accomplished. We won’t sleep; we will continue working hard to achieve our goals,” he added.

Speaking during the visit, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa formally introduced his successor, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, to the governor, describing her victory as a reflection of the people’s confidence in APC leadership.

Hon. Igbinedion, in her remarks, thanked the governor for his support and assured the people of Ovia that she would deliver quality representation.

“I am not new to the National Assembly. The Ovia people should expect that I will hit the ground running and initiate projects that will benefit them. This victory was made possible by the people’s recognition of the governor’s hard work and impact across Edo State. I will not let them down,” she pledged.

The APC swept the Edo by-elections, with Hon. Joseph Ikpea winning the Edo Central Senatorial seat and Hon. Omosede Igbinedion emerging victorious in the Ovia Federal Constituency.