The recently sworn in governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has narrated the spiritual battle he faced to win the governorship election in September 2024.
In a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, on Thursday, Okpebholo said that the grace of God, constant prayers, and the support of the people was responsible for his electoral victory.
The governor spoke at his post swearing-in Thanksgiving Service held at the Samuel Ogbumudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State capital, where he urged Nigerians to trust in God alone irrespective of their challenges in life.
Okpebholo remarked: “I want to thank God. In this last election, while I was praising God, they (traducers) were busy operating from television. They were busy operating from social media. They were busy operating from other television stations.
“But, I took the battle to God because I knew the secret. A few days to the election, they said I was crazy. We gathered to praise God in this State. They said, “What is he doing?” They were there on TV. But, I was listening to the voice of God. I won the battle.
“After the election on Sunday morning, I came to my room. I met a bat had died on my bed, without me shooting any arrow. But, the spirit of God was there. The arrow of God; The hand of God delivered me.
“I am grateful to the men of God that stood in the gap. I am grateful to those who believed that with God, all things are possible. And I will give you one advice- trust in God alone because he will do it for you.
The Governor disclosed that he did not consult any native doctor or prophet or visit any diviner or shrine to seek help for help throughout the period of his electioneering.
The Thanksgiving worship service had in attendance prominent politicians, music artists, and clergymen.
Okpebholo, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner of the September 21 governorship election.
He polled 291,667 votes to defeat Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who garnered 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third with 22,763 votes.
