Court of Appeal Upholds Okpebholo’s Win in Edo Governorship Election
The Court of Appeal has officially affirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, bringing an end to the legal contest following the September 2024 governorship election.
The appellate court upheld the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier validated Okpebholo’s victory and dismissed the petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the polls.
A Victory for Democracy – Okpebholo Reacts
In his official statement following the judgment, Governor Okpebholo described the ruling as “a triumph for democracy and the will of the people.”
“This is not just a victory for the APC, but a triumph for democracy and the will of the people,” Okpebholo said.
He extended an olive branch to his opponent, calling on Mr. Ighodalo to accept the verdict in good faith and join efforts to move the state forward.
“I urge Mr. Ighodalo and his supporters to put politics aside. The time to build Edo is now together.”
What This Means for Edo State
The affirmation of Okpebholo’s mandate by the Court of Appeal solidifies the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s hold on Edo State and sets the stage for continued implementation of the administration’s agenda.
Analysts view the court’s decision as a reflection of the strength of the evidence presented during the tribunal process and a signal of judicial consistency in electoral matters.
Background: Edo 2024 Election
The September 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State was a tightly contested race primarily between APC’s Monday Okpebholo and PDP’s Asue Ighodalo. Okpebholo was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with a significant margin, prompting PDP to head to court citing alleged irregularities claims which both the tribunal and the appellate court have now dismissed.
