Nigeria’s Edo State Elects New Governor as Godwin Obaseki’s Term Ends

Millions of eligible voters across Edo State took to the polls in a highly anticipated governorship election to choose the successor to outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki, who has completed the constitutionally allowable two terms in office.

The election, held across all three senatorial districts, 18 local government areas and thousands of polling units, saw a competitive race as candidates from the major political parties vied for the state’s top political position.

Candidates from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) competed in what was described by analysts as a three-way contest for leadership of the southern Nigerian state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that registered voters exercised their democratic rights to elect a leader who will guide Edo State’s development agenda until 2028.

Outgoing Governor Obaseki, who steered the state since 2016 and realigned politically from the APC to the PDP during his tenure, did not contest due to term limits established under the Nigerian Constitution.

The result of the election followed declarations from INEC and political leaders — marking a significant moment in Edo’s political calendar as the state begins a new chapter under fresh leadership.