The Nigeria’s Supreme Court unanimously affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, dismissing an appeal filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The decision brings closure to a contentious legal battle over the governorship election held on September 21, 2024, solidifying Okpebholo’s mandate as the state’s sixth elected governor.
The Supreme Court’s judgment, delivered by a five-member panel, upheld the earlier rulings of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The court found that Ighodalo’s appeal lacked merit, stating there was no substantial evidence to prove non-compliance with electoral laws during the 2024 election. The ruling also noted that no order as to cost was necessary, emphasizing the clarity of the decision.
The case stemmed from the PDP’s challenge to the election results, which declared Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had certified Okpebholo’s victory, prompting the PDP to allege irregularities and non-compliance with electoral guidelines. However, both the tribunal and the Court of Appeal had previously dismissed these claims, affirming the integrity of the electoral process. The Supreme Court’s decision now reinforces these lower court rulings, putting an end to the dispute.
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Senator Monday Okpebholo, popularly known as “Akpakomiza,” assumed office on November 12, 2024, following his victory at the polls. His affirmation by the Supreme Court has been celebrated by APC supporters, with the party’s official X handle congratulating Okpebholo and the people of Edo State on the ruling. “Our mandate stands!” the APC declared in a post, urging the governor to begin work in earnest.
However, the ruling has sparked mixed reactions. Some Nigerians, particularly PDP supporters, expressed disappointment, with posts on X describing the judgment as an endorsement of alleged electoral irregularities. One user, @afrisagacity, remarked that the decision “legalized the criminality that happened in Edo State,” reflecting the frustration of those who had hoped for a different outcome. Despite such sentiments, the Supreme Court’s ruling is final, and Okpebholo’s governorship is now legally unassailable.
Okpebholo, a former senator representing Edo Central, campaigned on a platform of development, security, and economic revitalization for Edo State. His administration has promised to prioritize infrastructure, education, and job creation, with the APC touting a “bright Edo” under his leadership. As the governor moves forward, the focus will likely shift to delivering on these promises amid the state’s complex socio-political dynamics.