Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were seen kneeling before President Bola Tinubu during a visit to Aso Rock on Thursday.
The moment, captured on video, showed the duo expressing their appreciation to the president for his support during their successful campaign.
The visit took place just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Edo governorship election.
Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, came in third with 22,761 votes.
Accompanied by other top APC members, Okpebholo and Idahosa expressed their profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in them by both the party and the president.
Okpebholo pledged to live up to the expectations of Edo people by delivering on his promises and working towards the development of the state.
In his remarks, President Tinubu congratulated the newly elected leaders and urged them to prioritize the welfare of Edo people.
He encouraged them to focus on unity, development, and good governance as they prepare to take over the reins of power in the state.
The video of the kneeling gesture has sparked conversations on social media, with some interpreting it as a sign of humility, while others raised concerns about the implications of such acts in Nigerian politics.
Okpebholo is set to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, whose tenure will end in November 2024.
Watch the video below:
VIDEO: Okpebholo, deputy kneel to thank Tinubu at Aso Rock pic.twitter.com/2dzMVDWPSx
— TheCable (@thecableng) September 26, 2024