The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld Senator Monday Okpebholo’s election as the Governor of Edo State, a decision made during the September 21, 2024, governorship election. The ruling dismissed the appeal by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, citing a lack of merit.
Justice Mohammed Danjuma, delivering the lead judgment, emphasized that the appellants failed to provide credible evidence of over-voting or any miscarriage of justice. The unanimous ruling reaffirmed the earlier decision of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
In response to the verdict, Ighodalo announced plans to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court. Chris Nehikhare, the Publicity Secretary of the Edo State PDP Caretaker Committee, confirmed this intent, stating they would act within the required timeframe.
Governor Okpebholo urged Ighodalo and the PDP to accept the ruling and collaborate towards advancing Edo State. He highlighted the judgment as a validation of the people’s choice and called for an end to divisive politics.
The governor commended the judiciary for its commitment to justice, viewing this ruling as a win for democracy. He extended an olive branch to all political actors, emphasizing that the state’s development should take precedence over political rivalry.
Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to a “people-first” agenda, focusing on key areas such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare. He encouraged citizens to remain calm and continue their lawful activities, stating that the affirmation of his mandate would energize his government to work diligently for the benefit of all Edo residents.
The legal battle began when Ighodalo and the PDP challenged the election results, asserting widespread irregularities. However, both the tribunal and the appellate court found their claims unsubstantiated, highlighting that the petitioners failed to present credible witnesses or evidence linking their allegations to actual electoral misconduct.
With the appellate court’s ruling now in place, the focus shifts to the Supreme Court, where Ighodalo and the PDP hope for a different outcome.
