Edo State: Governor-elect Okpehbolo Calls For Unity 

By Temitope Mustapha, Abuja

The Governor-elect of Edo State, Monday Okpehbolo has called for unity in the state.

Okpehbolo urged the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the Candidate of the  People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Asue Ighodalo to accept defeat and congratulate him on his victory in the September 21st Governorship election.

He said this while speaking to State House Correspondents in Abuja, after presenting his certificate of return to the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Governor-elect also said he would work with the opposition parties in the state and called on them to bring their ideas and assist in the development of the State.

“I am coming as a servant to serve the Edo people, which is what is required of me, and that is exactly what I am going to do. So with time, you will recognise that a new time has happened.

“If they have an idea that is beautiful and acceptable by the people then why not my door is open to everybody.

“So very soon you will see a lot of development coming up in Edo, we are going to employ teachers, we are going to renovate our school much more quickly a lot will be happening over time, “ the Governor-elect said

Accept Results

He urged the opposition in the State to accept the result of the governorship election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and congratulate him on the victory.

“They have to wait, they have to bear it. If we had lost, I would have bore it. And by now, I would have even congratulated the winner, so I expect them to congratulate me,” he stated.

Former governor of Edo State and the Senator representing Edo North in the Senate, Adams Oshiomole urged opposition parties to embrace the results and support the incoming administration to ensure a smooth transition of power.

Oshiomhole called on opposition parties to accept the election results and support the incoming administration.

He reminded critics that democracy allows for alternating power, citing examples of past elections where different parties emerged victorious under the same electoral bodies.

Oshiomhole emphasised the importance of accepting the outcomes to foster stability in the state.

“Democracy allows for alternating power, and it is vital that we respect the voice of the people,” Oshiomhole stated.

He likened the victory to the party’s successful campaign in 2007, which saw them take control from the PDP.

Oshiomhole praised Okpebholo’s character and background, emphasising the governors-elect’s connection with ordinary citizens and understanding of rural challenges.

“We have a man with compassion, with human feeling,” Oshiomhole stated, contrasting Okpebholo’s approach with that of the outgoing administration.

The former governor criticized the tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of mismanaging World Bank funds and failing to address critical issues in education and employment.

Oshiomhole expressed confidence that Okpebholo would reverse these trends, promising to rebuild schools, employ teachers, and address infrastructure concerns.

According to him, Senator Okpebholo, whose name reportedly translates to “the rescuer” in English, is viewed by supporters as a symbol of hope for Edo State.

“God has brought him to rescue the Edo people, to restore integrity, to rebuild our schools,” Oshiomhole added.

Confidence Okwuchi