The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has taken a commanding lead in the Edo State governorship election, according to results declared so far by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Okpebholo, who represents Edo Central in the Senate, is currently ahead of his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by over 48,000 votes.

With results from 16 of the 18 local government areas (LGAs) announced at the INEC Collation Centre in Benin City on Sunday, Okpebholo has secured 244,549 votes.

In comparison, Ighodalo, a well-known figure in the business community, has garnered 195,954 votes. While Okpebholo has claimed victory in 10 of the LGAs declared so far, Ighodalo has won six.

Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata is trailing far behind with 13,346 votes, placing him in a distant third position.

The election has attracted widespread attention due to the high stakes involved, with Edo’s political future hanging in the balance.

All eyes are now on the remaining two local government areas yet to be declared, as both the APC and PDP candidates brace for the final outcome.

INEC officials have assured the public of a transparent and credible process, urging calm as the last results trickle in.

As part of his ongoing efforts to uplift his constituents economically, the lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu, has once again empowered no fewer than two hundred (200) farmers in his constituency.

The lawmaker organised a training programme for selected fish farmers at the Faith Joe Event Centre, located beside Community Secondary School, Alegongo, Ibadan.

Each of the beneficiaries received ₦100,000 in cash, fish feed, fish species, and plastic tanks to assist them in raising their fish. The gesture is part of Olafisoye’s comprehensive plan to enhance agricultural productivity and economic empowerment in the area.

Apart from the fish farming support, the lawmaker also distributed fertilisers, maize and beans seedlings, and a variety of farm equipment.

These items included world brush cutters, knapsack power sprayers, seed planters, farm tillers, and other essential agricultural implements, aimed at supporting another group of farmers in the constituency.

This latest empowerment initiative follows closely on the heels of the lawmaker’s announcement of a ₦1.5 million scholarship for 30 students of Community Grammar School, Lalupon, who are set to write their WAEC exams in 2025.

The announcement was made during the commissioning of a block of six classrooms facilitated by Olafisoye under the 2024 Sustainable Development Goals Special Intervention Project.

Speaking at the event, the lawmaker and former council chief, popularly known as Lafi, expressed his commitment to delivering meaningful benefits to his constituents, regardless of political affiliation.

He emphasised that his interventions are designed to address both infrastructural and economic challenges, providing “community infrastructure and stomach infrastructure” in light of the current economic hardship facing the nation.

Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji, the Oyo Central Senatorial Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), praised Lafi for his consistent empowerment programmes.

Oyebamiji remarked that it was rare to see a first-term lawmaker initiate so many impactful projects, noting that the representative’s efforts have significantly improved the lives of his constituents.

Several beneficiaries of the empowerment programme, including Agboola Samson Abayomi from Ejioku in Lagelu Local Government, Oduola Sefiu from Ward 5, Adebiyi Oluwakemi from Akinyele Local Government, and Adigun Michael, expressed their appreciation for the lawmaker’s dedication to the people.

They lauded him for surpassing the achievements of previous representatives in the constituency.

The event was well-attended, with notable figures including the APC Chairmen for Lagelu and Akinyele local governments, Mr. Awoyoola Fatai Sunday and Emmanuel Akinboade, alongside representatives from schools, community, and religious leaders.

The elites of Esanland have endorsed Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, as their choice for the next governor of Edo State.

This unanimous endorsement came during a virtual meeting aimed at evaluating the candidatures of the two prominent sons of Esanland representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

After a detailed examination of both candidates, Ighodalo emerged as the preferred choice.

His clear and ambitious manifesto resonates with the aspirations of Esanland for growth and prosperity. The key pillars of his campaign, including a strong focus on quality education, maximum security, economic growth, job creation, and inclusive governance, have garnered widespread support among the people.

Ighodalo’s commitment to enhancing education in the state aligns with Esanland’s vision for a well-equipped future generation. His plans to tackle insecurity through technological innovation promise a more peaceful and safe environment for all citizens.

Continuing, his economic agenda, which emphasises technologically driven agriculture, improved infrastructure, and the provision of pipe-borne water, is expected to drive unprecedented growth in the region.

Also, noteworthy is the PDP’s candidate promise to create job opportunities that exceed the working population, offering a beacon of hope for the youth. His pledge to promote tourism, collaborate with indigenes in the diaspora, and harness the state’s natural resources for economic development has further solidified his support among the Esan elites.

The group, however, called on Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, to step down and continue his legislative duties in the Senate. They further urged all stakeholders to avoid conflict, emphasising the shared ancestral heritage of both candidates and the unity of purpose that should guide this electoral process.

To amplify their call, the Esan4Esan Global Support League plans a coordinated effort involving the sending of one million letters to Okpebholo, expressing the collective desire for a peaceful resolution.

According to the group, these letters will be sent through various channels, including email, WhatsApp, and social media, underscoring the widespread support for Dr. Ighodalo’s candidacy.

The President and Coordinating Director of the Esan4Esan Global Support League, Dr. Elizabeth Okoruwa Okojie expressed optimism about this united front.

“Our resolve to support Dr. Asue Ighodalo is born out of a shared vision for Esanland’s resurgence and a brighter future for all of Edo State,” she stated. “We look forward to congratulating him as the incoming Governor of Edo State.”