Monday Okpebholo, newly inaugurated Governor of Edo State, has described his journey to victory in the September 21 governorship election as a battle against “principalities and powers”.
Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was declared the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who came in third with 22,763 votes.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to God, attributing his victory to prayer and public support. The governor shared his reflections at a post-swearing-in thanksgiving service in Benin City.
Okpebholo recounted an unusual experience that he saw as symbolic of his victory.
“After the election on Sunday morning, I came to my room. I met a bat had died on my bed, without me shooting any arrow,” he shared, alluding to the spiritual challenges he believes he faced.
“The spirit of God was there. The arrow of God. The hand of God delivered me.”
He also recalled moments when detractors labeled him “crazy” for his faith-driven approach to the campaign, stating that while opponents engaged on social media and television, he focused on his faith and the support of prayerful allies.
“They said, ‘What is he doing?’ They were there on TV. But, I was listening to the voice of God. I won the battle,” he said.
Expressing appreciation to supporters and religious leaders, Okpebholo encouraged citizens to trust in God’s power.
“I am grateful to the men of God that stood in the gap. I am grateful to those who believed that with God, all things are possible,” he added. “And I will give you one advice — trust in God alone because he will do it for you.”
