Edo State’s recently inaugurated governor, Monday Okpebholo, has shared his account of the spiritual challenges he encountered leading up to his victory in the September governorship election.
In a statement released on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo credited his success to the grace of God, persistent prayers, and the steadfast support of the people.
Speaking at his post-swearing-in Thanksgiving Service at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, the Edo State capital, the governor encouraged Nigerians to place their trust in God, no matter the difficulties they face in life.
He remarked: “I want to thank God. In this last election, while I was praising God, they (traducers) were busy operating from television. They were busy operating from social media. They were busy operating from other television stations.
“But, I took the battle to God because I knew the secret. A few days to the election, they said I was crazy. We gathered to praise God in this State. They said, “What is he doing?” They were there on TV. But, I was listening to the voice of God. I won the battle.
“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. But, the spirit of God was there. The arrow of God; The hand of God delivered me.
“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. And I will give you one advice- trust in God alone because he will do it for you.
Governor Monday Okpebholo revealed that he did not seek assistance from any native doctor, prophet, or shrine throughout his election campaign.
The Thanksgiving service, held in his honor, was attended by notable politicians, musicians, and clergymen.
Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was declared the winner of the September 21 governorship election, securing 291,667 votes to defeat Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) finished third with 22,763 votes.