The newly sworn-in Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has shared his journey and the intense spiritual challenges he faced in winning the governorship election held in September.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo attributed his victory to divine grace, consistent prayer, and the unwavering support of the people of Edo State.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving Service held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital, Governor Okpebholo encouraged Nigerians to rely solely on God, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
Reflecting on the election period, he expressed deep gratitude to God, sharing insights into his unique approach to the campaign.”
I want to thank God,” he stated. “During the election, while I was praising God, my detractors were preoccupied with social media and television broadcasts. They were strategizing and spreading messages through these platforms, but I chose to take the battle to God. I understood the secret power of praise and faith. A few days before the election, people questioned my approach. They thought it strange when we gathered to worship and praise God across the state. They were focused on media tactics, but I listened to God’s voice. And, in the end, I won the battle.”
Governor Okpebholo recounted a symbolic experience that occurred after the election. “On Sunday morning, I entered my room and found a bat lying dead on my bed, even though I had not harmed it. I saw it as a sign of God’s protection, His divine intervention. I didn’t need to shoot any arrows because the Spirit of God was present, working in my favor. The hand of God delivered me.”
He went on to thank the clergymen who stood with him in prayer, as well as those who shared his belief that with God, anything is possible. Offering advice to those in attendance, he said, “Put your trust in God alone because He can make the impossible happen.”
Governor Okpebholo also clarified that he did not seek assistance from any traditional or spiritual healers, prophets, or diviners at any point during his campaign. His journey, he emphasized, was purely grounded in his faith.
The Thanksgiving Service was attended by numerous high-profile figures, including political leaders, prominent musicians, and members of the clergy, who gathered to celebrate his victory.
Governor Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), emerged victorious in the September 21 election with 291,667 votes. His main opponent, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came in third with 22,763 votes.
