The Edo State Government, led by Governor Godwin Obaseki, has initiated the process for a smooth transition of power to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor of Edo State. Despite formal efforts by the Obaseki administration, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator Okpebholo have yet to respond to the official request to form their transition team, leaving questions about the pace of preparations for the handover.
In a letter dated October 10, 2024, the Secretary to the State Government, Joseph Eboigbe, formally invited Senator Okpebholo and the APC to establish a transition team to collaborate with the outgoing administration. The letter emphasizes the need for meaningful discussions and the exchange of crucial information to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities and continuity of governance.
“We believe it is crucial to establish a smooth and effective collaboration between your team and our current administration,” Eboigbe wrote, stressing the importance of timely preparations. The letter proposed an inaugural meeting of both transition committees on October 14, 2024, setting the stage for a formal engagement between the outgoing and incoming administrations.
Eboigbe further highlighted that the Obaseki administration is committed to supporting Senator Okpebholo’s team with all necessary resources to ensure a seamless transition. “We are committed to providing you with the necessary support and resources to make this transition as effective and efficient as possible,” the letter read. The gesture reflects the administration’s dedication to a responsible handover of power.
The call for a collaborative transition process follows the inauguration of a 20-member transition committee in July 2024 by Governor Obaseki, chaired by Joseph Eboigbe. The committee was tasked with overseeing the smooth transfer of power and ensuring that critical governance knowledge is shared with the incoming team.
However, as of October 13, 2024, Senator Okpebholo and the APC have yet to respond to the letter. The correspondence was confirmed to have been received by an admin secretary at the APC Secretariat in Edo State, but no formal acknowledgment or response has been made public. This delay has raised concerns about the readiness of the incoming administration to engage in the transition process.
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC emerged victorious in the recently concluded Edo State Governorship election. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came in third with 22,763 votes.
The APC’s victory in 10 of the state’s 18 local government areas played a significant role in Okpebholo’s triumph. The PDP won in the remaining 8 local government areas, reflecting a closely contested race. With the governorship election now settled, the focus has shifted to the transition process and the plans of the incoming administration.
Observers note that timely and constructive engagement between the outgoing and incoming teams is critical to ensuring continuity in governance. Edo State, like many others, faces significant challenges, and a smooth handover could determine how effectively these challenges are addressed by the new administration.
As the proposed October 14 inaugural meeting approaches, all eyes are on Senator Okpebholo and the APC to provide a prompt response, setting the wheels of the transition in motion. The hope is that both teams will work collaboratively to ensure that the needs of the Edo people are prioritized during this crucial period.
The next few days will be pivotal in shaping the future governance of Edo State, and the timely formation of the transition team could be the first step towards a successful handover and continuity in leadership.
