Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has made a bold declaration, insisting that no native doctor or prophet played a role in his victory in the 21st September governorship election.
Speaking on Sunday at the Winners Chapel in Akho, located in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of the state, Okpebholo attributed his success solely to his faith in God, revealing that he did not seek the help of spiritual or traditional practitioners during his campaign.
“My life is filled with testimonies,” Okpebholo told the congregation. “No one can accomplish this except Him alone. God has consistently granted me victory in all my endeavours.”
The Governor’s statement comes as a direct response to widespread beliefs in Nigeria that politicians often seek spiritual or occult assistance to secure electoral victories. However, Okpebholo firmly rejected these claims, emphasizing his unwavering trust in God.
“This is the first instance where someone has contested an election without seeking help from native doctors or prophets,” Okpebholo remarked. “My faith is in Christ alone. If God does not will it, then let it not be done.”
Okpebholo’s comments reflect his deep commitment to Christianity, as he has always been a member of the Winners’ Chapel. As he stood before his supporters, he made it clear that it was God’s will that had granted him victory, not any mystical forces. “In Nigeria, and indeed the world, no prophet or native doctor can claim that I visited them for help in winning the election,” he declared.
The Governor further emphasized that his belief in divine intervention was the driving force behind his electoral success. “The only factor I recognize is God. If He cannot accomplish it, then let it not be done,” Okpebholo said, adding that this victory marked the first time in Nigerian history that a politician had achieved electoral success purely on the basis of faith in God’s grace.
His remarks come at a time when many Nigerian politicians and their supporters often turn to spiritual leaders or traditional healers for support in their political campaigns. Such beliefs are deeply ingrained in Nigerian political culture, where a significant number of people believe that the supernatural plays a role in securing victory.
In contrast, Okpebholo’s victory stands as a testimony to the power of faith and trust in God, without the need for any external, spiritual assistance. “This is the first time in Nigeria that a person has contested an election, and the prevailing sentiment is that God’s grace is upon him or her,” he proudly stated.
The Governor also expressed confidence that, as members of the Winners’ Chapel, both he and his deputy were destined for success. “How can we lose? While others were strategizing and utilizing media outlets, I trusted in the Lord, and He granted me victory,” Okpebholo said.
Okpebholo’s victory in the Edo governorship race was closely watched, with many expecting him to face stiff competition from political rivals. However, his steadfast belief in divine intervention and his refusal to rely on anything but God has set him apart from other Nigerian politicians.
The Governor’s comments are likely to spark further discussions about the role of spirituality in Nigerian politics. While some may criticize his rejection of traditional spiritual practices, others may see his success as proof of the power of faith in overcoming challenges.
In Nigeria, where many politicians and their supporters routinely turn to spiritual leaders for guidance during elections, Okpebholo’s victory is an important reminder that, for some, faith in God is the ultimate source of power.
Okpebholo’s position also reflects broader trends in Nigerian politics, where religion and politics are often intertwined. In many parts of the country, politicians openly campaign on the strength of their faith, aligning themselves with religious organizations to gain support from the faithful.
