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.