“It’s time to work, and that is what I am going to do”

Edo State Governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to begin work immediately after officially receiving his certificate of return from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Okpebholo, who won the recently concluded governorship election, made the declaration on Thursday during a ceremony in Benin City.

INEC’s National Commissioner for Edo State, Rhoda Gumus, handed over the certificates to Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, just five days after the duo were declared winners of the Edo governorship election.

After receiving his certificate, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate expressed his gratitude and commitment to the people of Edo State.

“I feel very happy, and it is time for me to work, and that is what I am going to do,” Okpebholo stated.

Okpebholo emerged victorious after securing 291,667 votes, winning in 11 out of the 18 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Edo State.

His closest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,274 votes, winning in seven LGAs. Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,761 votes.

The certificate presentation ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, and other prominent figures.