By ADEMOLA TIJANI
The much-hyped and anticipated Saturday, September 21 Edo State governorship election has, permit the cliché, come and gone, with Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), declared winner. Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to beat his closest rival, PDP’s Asue Ighodalo who scored 247,655 votes.
To be sure, the reverberations of the victory and loss in the election will remain with the people and land of Edo for some time to come. However, Daily Query has identified some persons for whom Okpebholo’s victory is sweetest and those for whom the election is, indeed, a very big loss.
Treated seriatim, the Gainers
1. Governor-elect Monday Okebholo: As winner of last Saturday’s keenly contested election, Monday Okpebholo is the biggest gainer from the Edo governorship election. His sweet victory will be cemented when he is sworn in as Governor of Edo State this November.
2. Adams Oshiomole: Adams Oshiomhole gained political influence in the Edo election through the victory of APC’s Senator Monday Okpebholo, which marked a personal political triumph and reinforced his leadership in the state.
3. President Tinubu: Bola Tinubu’s gain from the Edo gubernatorial election victory is the consolidation of political power and influence for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the region, reinforcing his party’s position ahead of future elections
4. Abdudullahi Ganduje (APC) National Chairman: Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, gained in the recently concluded Edo election by effectively mobilizing party resources and leveraging strategic alliances, which helped secure a stronger voter base and increase the party’s overall influence in the region.
5. Osagie Ize-Iyamu: Osagie Ize-Iyamu gained in the recently concluded Edo election by capitalizing on local grievances and mobilizing grassroots support, along with a focused campaign that resonated with voters’ concerns and aspirations.
6. Philip Shaibu: Philip Shaibu gained in the recently concluded Edo election by successfully presenting himself as a candidate of continuity and progress, emphasizing his record of achievements in office while rallying strong support from key political stakeholders and grassroots organizations.
7. Dr Anugbum Omuoha: Dr. Anugbum Omuoha gained in the recently concluded Edo election by effectively leveraging his academic background and healthcare expertise to address pressing local issues, thereby appealing to voters who prioritized health and development in their communities.
8. DIG Frank Mba: DIG Frank Mba gained in the recently concluded Edo election by utilizing his extensive law enforcement experience and community engagement strategies to foster trust among voters, while promoting a message of security and stability that resonated with the electorate.
9. Anselm Ojezua: Anselm Ojezua gained in the recently concluded Edo election by effectively rallying support through grassroots campaigns and emphasizing local issues that resonated with voters, thereby strengthening his party’s presence in the region.
10. Kabiru Adjoto: Kabiru Adjoto gained in the recently concluded Edo election by successfully capitalizing on his political experience and building a strong coalition of supporters, which allowed him to address key community concerns and increase voter engagement
And the losers are…
1. Asue Ighodalo: The PDP’s loss in the just-concluded Edo election significantly undermines Asue Ighodalo’s standing as the party’s candidate, raising concerns about his political viability and effectiveness as a leader in future electoral contests.
Godwin Obaseki: The PDP’s loss in the just-concluded Edo election casts doubt on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s political influence and ability to effectively lead his party, potentially jeopardizing his legacy and future political ambitions.
Olumide Akpata: The PDP’s loss in the just-concluded Edo election negatively impacts Olumide Akpata’s position as the Labour Party candidate, diminishing his perceived electoral strength and undermining the party’s momentum in the region.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar: The PDP’s loss in the just-concluded Edo election undermines former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s credibility as a leading opposition figure and diminishes his prospects for uniting the party and galvanizing support ahead of future elections.
Acting National Chairman of PDP, Iliya Damagum: The PDP’s loss in the just-concluded Edo election severely challenges Acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum’s leadership effectiveness and raises questions about his ability to strengthen the party’s strategy and regain voter confidence moving forward.
Ahmadu Fintiri: The PDP’s defeat in the just-concluded Edo election weakens Ahmadu Fintiri’s influence as a prominent party leader, raising concerns about his ability to rally support and maintain party cohesion in upcoming elections.
Sheriff Oborevwori: The PDP’s defeat in the just-concluded Edo election jeopardizes Sheriff Oborevwori’s governance in Delta State by diminishing his political leverage and raising questions about his ability to effectively lead and unify party members in the face of electoral setback.
Siminialayi Fubara: The PDP’s defeat in the just-concluded Edo election diminishes Siminialayi Fubara’s standing as the governor of Rivers State, complicating his efforts to assert leadership within the party and potentially weakening his political capital in future engagements.
Prince Emmanuel Odigie: The PDP’s defeat in the just-concluded Edo election adversely affects Prince Emmanuel Odigie’s political aspirations by diminishing his credibility and undermining his role as a key party figure in the region.
David Adeleke: To David Adekele, the loss of the PDP which he supported means a minus for him as this would have added more glamour if the party had won as it happened in Osun state where his Uncle, Senator Ademola Adekele won.
