Anthony Osarobo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Ovia South West Local Government chairmanship election, has emerged as the youngest chairman-elect in Edo State after securing victory in Saturday’s local government polls.
Osarobo, 30, defeated candidates from 11 other political parties after polling 98,994 votes in the election conducted by the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC).
Announcing the result at the local government collation centre, the Returning Officer, Dr. Arodoye Nosakhare, declared the APC candidate winner, stating that he secured the highest number of valid votes cast.
“After the collation of results across the various political parties, the APC chairmanship candidate, having scored the majority of valid votes, is hereby returned elected,” Nosakhare announced.
Official results showed that the APC recorded a commanding lead over other political parties.
The Allied Party secured 28 votes, Action Alliance 42, African Action Congress 32, Action Democratic Party 26, All Progressives Grand Alliance 25, Allied People’s Movement five, Action People’s Party 12, while the New Nigeria People’s Party, Peoples Redemption Party and Young Progressives Party each polled one vote.
The Zenith Labour Party recorded 15 votes.
Speaking after his victory, Osarobo expressed gratitude to the people of Ovia South West for their overwhelming support, promising to justify the confidence reposed in him.
“I am happy to have emerged as the Chairman-elect of Ovia South West. I do not take this victory for granted because it was made possible by the support and confidence reposed in me by the people.
“I will use this mandate to work tirelessly for the development and progress of Ovia South West,” he said.
The Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ikponmwonsa Omorodion, congratulated the chairman-elect, describing the election as peaceful and transparent.
He expressed optimism that Osarobo would deliver on his campaign promises.
Meanwhile, results from other local government areas were still being collated as voters across Edo State elected chairmen and councillors in the state’s 18 local government areas.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who cast his vote at Ward 2, Udomi Primary School in Esan Central Local Government Area, commended the peaceful conduct of the election and praised the turnout of voters.
“The turnout was very high. This is a demonstration of grassroots democracy. It shows that our people are interested in choosing those who will administer the affairs of their local governments. By the grace of God, a winner will emerge at the end of today’s election,” the governor said.
