Edo win will give confidence to Nigeria’s ruling party

Significance

With 56% of the vote, he defeated his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 35%. Both the APC and the PDP viewed the race as a potential bellwether for the 2027 general election.

Impacts

• The PDP’s legal challenge may hinder governance in Edo amid the uncertainty caused by the judicial process.
• Legal challenges to Okpebholo’s victory could take up to a year before they are resolved.
• A government divided between an APC governor and PDP legislature may increase political tensions in the state.
• The APC will likely hold onto neighbouring Ondo State in its November 16 gubernatorial election.