Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky landed in Pennsylvania on Sunday, beginning an important visit where he will outline Kyiv's strategy for resolving the conflict with Russia. He is set to discuss Ukraine's plan with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and, in a separate meeting, with Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump.

Zelensky announced on social media, "We have arrived in the United States of America." 

He mentioned that the strategy for Ukraine's victory will be shared with all of their allies. 

Zelensky stated that he is beginning his trip in Pennsylvania for a "special visit," although he did not provide further details, before heading to New York and Washington. 

In a video taken from a plane en route to Pennsylvania, he said, "Ukraine will unveil the victory plan in the United States, and the President of the United States will be the first to see it in its entirety." 

He also noted that he would present the plan to "all leaders of our partner countries," as well as to the US Congress and "both presidential candidates."

"This autumn will determine the future of this conflict," stated Zelensky.

"It is now being decided what the legacy of today's world leaders will be, particularly those in top positions."

Zelensky is anticipated to persuade Biden to permit Kyiv to target locations within Russia using long-range Western weapons, which he believes would alter the trajectory of the war.

 

Allegations have emerged that the People's Democratic Party (PDP) orchestrated a plan to rig the election, only for it to be foiled by the swift actions of security agencies. 

 

This revelation has added another layer of intrigue to an already heated political environment, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerging victorious in what is being hailed as one of the most credible elections in Edo State’s recent history.

 

The Alleged Rigging Scheme Unraveled

 

According to reports, fake electoral materials were recovered from two individuals with alleged ties to the PDP. Henry Okpamen, who remains at large, and Thaddeus Irabor, who is currently in police custody, are accused of being central figures in this plot. Both men are said to be known members of the PDP, casting a shadow over the party's integrity in this election. 

 

These revelations have prompted many to reassess the narrative put forth by PDP members, who have claimed the election was manipulated in favor of the APC.

 

Video evidence purportedly captures the moment these fake materials were seized, underscoring the coordinated effort by security agencies to ensure the election’s credibility.

 

 The actions of these agencies have been widely praised for safeguarding the democratic process, preventing what could have been a rigged election, and ensuring the true will of the Edo people was reflected in the final outcome.

 

Contrasting Candidacies: The Professor vs. the ‘Panel-Beater’

 

The 2024 election was marked by a striking contrast between the candidates of the two major parties. The PDP fielded a candidate who was lauded as a Professor of English, while the APC’s candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was mockingly referred to as a “panel-beater.” Yet, this metaphor of the “panel-beater” has taken on a different meaning post-election. Supporters of Okpebholo have embraced the term, framing his victory as symbolic of his potential to “panel-beat” Edo State into a modern, progressive state.

 

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This narrative strikes at the heart of the election’s symbolism. The people of Edo, it seems, voted for someone they believe can practically address their needs, irrespective of their academic qualifications. For many, Okpebholo represents the everyman—a figure who, like them, understands the struggles of ordinary citizens and is committed to real, tangible change.

 

 This sentiment has been echoed across the state, with many celebrating the fact that individuals from all walks of life—whether mechanics, tailors, or vulcanizers—now have the confidence to aspire to leadership positions.

 

Post-Election Reactions: The Cry of the Defeated

 

The defeat of the PDP in Edo has led to emotional reactions from some of its members, most notably Emmanuel Odigie, who made a tearful appearance on AriseTV. 

 

His emotional outpouring has been met with skepticism from many APC supporters, who accuse the PDP of crying wolf. They argue that the PDP’s protestations stem not from genuine grievances, but from the frustration of seeing their alleged rigging plans foiled.

 

This narrative has gained traction in the wake of the election, as it was observed that PDP members had previously refused to sign the peace agreement, a move that raised suspicions about their intentions. 

 

Moreover, incendiary remarks from certain PDP figures—threatening that "Nigeria will burn" and framing the election as a "do or die" affair—further fueled concerns that the party was preparing for electoral malpractice. 

 

In contrast, the APC has been credited with running a clean campaign, relying on the trust of the electorate rather than underhanded tactics.

 

A New Dawn for Edo: The Rise of the People’s Candidate

 

For the APC and its supporters, this election represents a turning point in Edo’s political history. The phrase “A New Edo Has Risen” has been used to describe the sense of empowerment felt by everyday citizens, who see in Okpebholo’s victory the validation of their own aspirations. 

 

In a state long dominated by elite politics, the rise of a candidate from a humble background is a testament to the democratizing power of the ballot.

 

The 2024 election has also shattered the myth that only those with high academic credentials can govern. 

 

It has reaffirmed the belief that leadership is not about titles, but about a candidate’s ability to connect with the people, understand their needs, and deliver results. 

 

Edo’s voters, by choosing a “panel-beater,” have sent a clear message that they value competence and vision over pedigree and status.

 

Conclusion: A Victory for Democracy

 

The foiling of the PDP’s alleged rigging plot and the subsequent victory of the APC’s Monday Okpebholo marks a significant moment for democracy in Edo State. 

 

The election was not only a referendum on the two candidates but also a testament to the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

 

 The swift action of security agencies in preventing electoral fraud ensures that the voice of the people was heard loud and clear.

 

As Edo State looks ahead, it does so with the hope that Okpebholo will indeed "panel-beat" the state into a modern, thriving entity. 

 

His victory is a victory for every mechanic, hairdresser, vulcanizer, and baker who now dares to dream of a better future—not just for themselves, but for the entire state. 

 

Indeed, a new Edo has risen, and with it, the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

As preparations intensify for the local council election in Ogun State on November 16, the Community Advocacy for Peace and Strategic Leadership Initiative (CAPSL-Initiative) has urged stakeholders to adhere to the established rules. The organization emphasized that political parties, voters, and other involved parties must follow the regulations set by the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) to ensure a peaceful electoral process. CAPSL-Initiative specifically requested that all parties refrain from actions that could threaten the peace and security of the Gateway State. In a statement released on Sunday, signed by Chairman Akwuobi Francis and Secretary Pius Pamela, the civil society group noted that investigations have shown that security agencies in the state have implemented measures to maintain a violence-free election.

The group urged the relevant authorities responsible for maintaining peace and order in the state to remain steadfast and resolute in fulfilling their collective duties. It is worth noting that in August, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, the chairman of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, announced the date for the council election. This decision to conduct the election came about a month after the Supreme Court granted financial autonomy to local governments, a significant ruling seen as a result of judicial activism. Part of the statement reads: "As political parties prepare for the crucial stages of the local government elections on November 16, we at CAPSL-Initiative urge all stakeholders to uphold decorum and adhere to the rules."

"While we acknowledge that politics involves a struggle for power and the allocation of resources, we emphasize that this process must adhere to the established rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth by the OGSIEC. Therefore, political parties and their candidates should manage their supporters by communicating that elections are not a matter of life and death, but rather a democratic process that allows voters to make informed decisions. We are aware that, following the recent Supreme Court ruling that has loosened state governments' control over the third tier of government, the stakes are particularly high. Nevertheless, we advise caution, as past experiences have shown that conflicts often arise from imposition, which poses risks to security and public safety."

"We would like to commend the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Abiodun, along with the leaders of relevant authorities, for establishing peace and security in the state, which has resulted in enhanced investment opportunities. 

"Lastly, we want to reassure the people of Ogun State that investigations have shown that the dual security issues of kidnapping and cultism are being addressed appropriately. 

"As is our custom, we urge the public to report individuals with suspicious behavior or activities to the appropriate security agencies, especially since security has become a collective responsibility for society."