Senator Monday Okpebholo has been declared the winner of Edo State’s governorship election, held on Saturday.
On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) governorship candidate, the victor of the hotly contested election.
The election’s returning officer, Prof. Faruq Adamu Kuta, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, announced the results at the INEC collation centre in Benin City.
He received 291,667 votes, winning eleven of the state’s 18 local government areas, while Peoples Democratic Party candidate Asue Ighodalo received 247,274, winning seven LGs.
This publication highlights below 10 things to know about the Edo governor-elect.
1. Sen. Monday Okpebholo was born on August 29, 1970, to the late Chief and Mrs. Peter Okpebholo from the Udomi community in Uwessan-Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area.
2. His father was from the Udomi village of Uwesan-Irrua, Esan Central LGA, while his mother was from the Ikekiala community of Eguare-Uromi, Esan North East LGA.
3. Okpebholo, also known as Akpakomiza, attended Udomi Community Primary School and Ujabhole Community Secondary School, both in Uwesan-Irrua, Esan Central LGA.
4. He holds a degree in business administration from the University of Abuja. He continued his study by earning a Master’s degree in Policy and Leadership Studies from the same University of Abuja.
5. He won the Edo Central Senatorial District seat for the All Progressives Congress on February 25, 2023, ending the Peoples Democratic Party’s 24-year reign in the zone.
6. On June 13, 2023, he was inaugurated as Senator of the 10th National Assembly, representing Edo Central Senatorial District, and chairing the Senate Committee on Public Procurement.
7. On February 23, 2024, Okpebholo was proclaimed the APC governorship primary election winner in Edo State.
8. He is an entrepreneur who has made investments in hospitality, construction, oil and gas, and information and communications technology.
9. Okpebholo launched Chapman Computers Limited in Jos, Plateau State’s capital, and then established Interweb Satcom Limited, a prominent industry leader in broadband sales and development.
10. He is married to Mrs. Blessing Okpapi Okpebholo and has four children.
