A 30-year-old politician, Anthony Osarobo, has emerged as the chairman-elect of Ovia South West Local Government Area in Edo State after winning Saturday's local government election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His victory makes him one of the youngest elected local government chairmen in the state's history.
The Returning Officer, Dr. Arodoye Nosakhare, announced the result at the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission's local government collation centre, declaring Osarobo the winner after securing the highest number of valid votes cast in the election.
According to the official results, the APC candidate polled 98,994 votes across the council's 10 wards, defeating candidates from 11 other political parties by a wide margin.
The closest challengers recorded only a fraction of the votes obtained by the APC candidate, highlighting the party's dominance in the council election.
Speaking after he was declared winner, Osarobo thanked the people of Ovia South West for the confidence reposed in him and described the outcome as a mandate he would not take for granted.
He pledged to prioritise development, good governance and improved service delivery throughout his tenure.
The chairman-elect promised to work closely with community leaders, youths and other stakeholders to promote infrastructure development, economic opportunities and programmes that would improve the welfare of residents across the local government.
Reacting to the outcome, Edo State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Ikponmwonsa Omorodion, described the election as transparent and peaceful while expressing confidence that Osarobo would fulfil his campaign promises and justify the trust placed in him by the electorate.
Earlier in the day, Governor Monday Okpebholo commended voters for their peaceful conduct and impressive turnout during the local government election.
The governor praised the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission for the early deployment of election officials, security personnel and voting materials, describing the exercise as a positive demonstration of grassroots democracy.
Election observers also gave favourable assessments of the poll, noting that voting was largely peaceful across monitored areas with no major security incidents reported.
They said the orderly conduct of the exercise encouraged voter participation and reflected growing confidence in local democratic processes.
Osarobo's victory comes as the APC strengthened its position across Edo State in the local government elections, with the party recording widespread success in several councils.
Political observers believe the emergence of a youthful chairman-elect could bring fresh ideas to local governance while also encouraging greater youth participation in politics.