Labour Party Chairman in Edo State, Mr. Kelly Ogbalo, claims that his party would have emerged victorious in the governorship election if it had been conducted fairly. He alleged that the election was marred by serious irregularities, including open vote-buying that security agencies failed to address. 

According to Ogbalo, "Labour Party won the election but was not allowed to take possession" due to these irregularities. He emphasized that the presence of vote-buying and manipulation of results undermined the legitimacy of the election. 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC the winner with 291,667 votes, followed by Asue Ighodalo of the PDP with 247,274 votes, and Labour Party's Olumide Akpata with 22,763 votes. 

When asked if Labour Party would challenge the result in court, Ogbalo stated that the party had yet to convene a state council meeting to decide on the matter. 

This development highlights concerns about electoral integrity and the need for fair and transparent processes in Nigerian politics.