Nigeria’s ruling party wins first test since Tinubu elected

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), has successfully navigated its first significant electoral challenge since Bola Tinubu assumed the presidency last year. The APC secured victory in Edo State, which had been governed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for years. Senator Monday Okpebholo triumphed over PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, garnering 291,667 votes compared to Ighodalo’s 247,274.

Despite the APC’s win, the PDP has raised serious concerns about the electoral process. Ighodalo described the election as potentially “the worst in the history of this country,” citing allegations of fraud and vowing to contest the results in court.

Election monitoring organization, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), reported instances of vote-buying by both parties and claimed that election officials faced intimidation in various locations. While the APC’s victory in Edo State is notable, it is not entirely unexpected, given the party’s long-standing presence in the region. Nonetheless, analysts had speculated that the APC might struggle in light of Nigeria’s current economic challenges.

The nation is grappling with its worst economic crisis in decades, with annual inflation soaring to 34%, the highest rate in almost 30 years. Food prices have escalated even more dramatically; for instance, in Lagos, the cost of yams—an essential staple—has surged to nearly four times its price from a year ago. In response to the worsening economic conditions, widespread protests erupted across the country last month, reflecting growing public discontent.

Political analyst Muzammil Yakasai commented that the violence surrounding the elections might have deterred many citizens from participating. “I don’t think the election reflects how people in Edo State and Nigeria view the APC right now,” he remarked, highlighting the complicated political landscape.

Looking ahead, the APC faces another electoral challenge in November during a governorship election in the south-western state of Ondo, which will further test the party’s standing amidst ongoing economic distress.

Who is Monday Okpebholo?

Senator Monday Okpebholo, who recently claimed victory in Edo State, previously represented Edo Central in the National Assembly after winning a seat in last year’s elections. Born in 1970, Okpebholo holds a degree in Business Administration and a master’s degree in policy and leadership studies, both from the University of Abuja.

Married with two children, Okpebholo has recently faced legal troubles, having been charged with falsifying his birth certificate’s date. He has not publicly addressed these allegations, which are still being adjudicated. However, his new position as governor grants him immunity from prosecution, at least for the duration of his term.

As the APC moves forward, the implications of this victory in Edo State remain to be seen, especially in the context of the ongoing economic crisis and potential legal battles ahead.