‘Victory for democracy’ — IPAC congratulates Okpebholo as Edo governor-elect

The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has congratulated Monday Okpebholo for winning the just-concluded governorship election in Edo state.

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the election.

The electoral umpire said Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who got 247,274 votes.

Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), came a distant third with 22,763 votes.

Both the PDP and the LP have rejected the outcome of the election.

In a statement issued on Monday, Chinyere Kalu, IPAC spokesperson, said the election was “another victory for democracy”.

“It is another victory for democracy, which will go a long way in deepening the nation’s electoral process,” the statement reads.

“The good people of Edo state have spoken with their votes and expressed their confidence in the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo. It is a clarion call to serve.”

Kalu asked Okpebholo to be “magnanimous in victory” and reach out to other contestants in the election, adding that the governor-elect should run an inclusive government that will “transform the state and improve the people’s wellbeing”.

“The winner-takes-it-all syndrome has been the bane of Nigerian politics and government. This should be jettisoned in the quest for sustainable democracy and development in the country,” the IPAC spokesperson said.

Kalu also enjoined aggrieved political parties and their candidates to seek redress in court.

“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties, IPAC will continue to consolidate and deepen democracy by ensuring an environment conducive for successful elections, political stability, and the well-being of Nigerians,” he said.

“Council urges INEC to improve on its Edo governorship performance in the November 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election. There is no substitute for credible elections.

“The people’s votes must count and their mandates respected by all stakeholders in the political process.

“Once more, congratulations to the good people of Edo State. Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria. Together we will deepen it to yield its fruits and dividends to citizens.”