The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally issued certificates of return to Edo State Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa. The certificates were presented by INEC National Commissioner Rhoda Gumus on Thursday, five days after their victory was announced in the recent governorship election.

Okpebholo, the candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC), won the election with a total of 291,667 votes, securing victory in 11 out of the 18 Local Government Areas in Edo State. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,274 votes, winning seven LGAs, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party finished third with 22,761 votes.

With this issuance, Okpebholo and Idahosa are officially confirmed as the governor and deputy governor of Edo State, respectively. Okpebholo will take over from Governor Godwin Obaseki, who is set to leave office on November 11 after completing two terms.