By our Reporter
The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Thursday affirmed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, upholding his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Danjuma dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, describing it as lacking in merit.
The three-member panel ruled unanimously, reiterating the decision of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
Justice Danjuma held that the appellants failed to prove any miscarriage of justice or provide credible witnesses and documentation to support their allegations of over-voting.
“The foundation of the appellants’ case having collapsed, the appeal lacked merit and is hereby dismissed,” the court ruled.
In reaction, Ighodalo vowed to challenge the verdict at the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo called on Ighodalo and the PDP to accept the Court of Appeal’s decision and join him in moving Edo State forward.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, the governor said the judgment, which reaffirmed the will of the people, should signal an end to divisive politics.
“Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice. This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.”
“The governor urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. Prolonged litigation only distracts from the urgent task of governance and the delivery of democratic dividends.”
Reiterating his earlier stance, Okpebholo extended an olive branch to all political actors, regardless of party affiliation, emphasising that the state’s development must take precedence over political rivalry.
“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear,”he said.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a “people-first” agenda, prioritising development across infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
“We urge all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities. This affirmation of our mandate re-energizes the government to continue working tirelessly in the best interest of all residents of Edo State,” he stated.y in the best interest of all residents of Edo State,” he stated.
