Edo Polls: INEC Declares Oshiomhole Winner

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday declared Mr. Adams Oshiomhole of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the winner of the Edo governorship election, held on Saturday

The Returning Officer, Prof Osayuki Oshodi , who officially announced the result of the election  at INEC headquarter in Benin, said Oshiomhole scored 477,478 votes to defeat five other candidates in the election.

Oshodi said Major Gen. Charles Airhiavbere of the Peoples Democratic Party   scored 144, 235 votes, while Chief Solomon Edebiri of All Nigeria Peoples Party scored 3,642 votes to come third.

He said Mr. Roland Izeobuwe of Congress for Progressive Change came fourth with 2,793 votes and Mr Frank Ukonga of Social Democratic Movement Party followed with 807 votes.

Oshodi, who is the Vice-Chancellor of University of Benin, further announced that  Mr Andrew Igwemoh of Labour Party scored  604 votes, while Mr. Paul Orunmwese of National Conscience Party scored  540 votes in the contest,

He said that Oshiomhole, who is the incumbent, won in the 18 local government areas of the state and satisfied the requirements of the law to be declared winner of the contest.

“I, Prof  Oshiodi as the returning officer, hereby certify  that I was the returning officer of the July 14 governorship election and  hereby declare that Oshiomhole having satisfied the requirement of the law and having scored the highest number of votes cast is hereby declared winner,’’ Oshodi declared.

Mainwhile, the Agent of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Martin Osakwe,   in Saturday’s governorship election in Edo, has congratulated Gov. Adams Oshiomhole   of ACN for his re-election.

Osakwe said in an interview with the Newsmen in Benin on Sunday that “as a person, I congratulate the declared winner. The party hierarchy will make a formal statement.’’

Osakwe commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for a job well done and the security agents for their work in the election.

Meanwhile, residents of Benin City defied the morning rain and came into the streets in large numbers to jubilate over the re-election of the governor.

Jubilant crowds held brooms, the symbol of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), dancing and sweeping the streets.

Motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders, also displayed brooms as they made brisk businesses major streets of the city, shouting  ‘Oshio Baba’ a pet name for the governor

Our political correspondent reports that Voters trooped in large numbers to polling centres across the state with some arriving at the polling centres as early as 6a.m.