#EdoDecides2024: Ighodalo wins Akpata’s polling unit

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo has claimed victory at the polling unit of his Labour Party rival, Olumide Akpata, in the ongoing Edo governorship election.

At Polling Unit 11, Ward 06 in Oredo Local Government Area, Ighodalo received 41 votes, surpassing Akpata, who polled 32 votes.

Monday Okpebholo of the All Progress Congress (APC) trailed with 19 votes.

After casting his vote, Ighodalo reiterated his belief in a decisive win, stating, “We will win this election by landslide and move our state forward by God’s grace.”

He encouraged voters to participate actively, despite reported challenges in the election process.

Ighodalo expressed concern over allegations of misconduct, claiming, “There are rumours that they are trying to undermine the election process. Many of them have been caught with ballot papers and PVCs.”

He also accused some individuals of attempting to buy votes for amounts ranging from N15,000 to N20,000, stating, “They are trying everything to subvert the process.”

Despite these challenges, Ighodalo praised the Nigerian military’s role in maintaining order during the election, expressing confidence in the electoral integrity, saying, “I believe INEC will deliver a free and fair election until they prove otherwise.”

While voicing optimism about the support he has received across the state, Ighodalo remains vigilant regarding the ongoing situation, mentioning the arrest of a supporter in Uromi by security personnel.

He emphasized the need for a level playing field, stating, “We are not happy about a few ongoing in some places but we will remain confident.”