By ISAAC DANIEL
ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on his recent victory at the Supreme Court, which affirmed his election as the duly elected governor of Edo State. The congratulatory message was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed all appeals challenging the outcome of the September 2024 Edo State governorship election, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner. The apex court affirmed the decisions of the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, both of which upheld the governor’s victory.
The legal challenge was brought by the main opposition candidate, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who alleged irregularities during the election. However, the Supreme Court ruled that the petition lacked merit and that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act.
Reacting to the verdict, President Tinubu described the ruling as a victory not only for Governor Okpebholo but also for the people of Edo State, democracy, and the rule of law.
“Governor Okpebholo must now be magnanimous in victory. He should see this affirmation as an opportunity to unite the people of Edo, regardless of political affiliations, and work towards the rapid development of the state,” the President stated.
He urged the governor to redouble efforts in delivering quality governance, infrastructure, economic growth, and social development across all local government areas of Edo State.
“Now that the legal hurdles have been cleared, it is time to focus squarely on the delivery of exceptional public service, which Governor Okpebholo has already started. The people of Edo deserve peace, progress, and prosperity,” Tinubu added.
President Tinubu also used the opportunity to commend the leadership of the APC in Edo State for standing firm and urged all party stakeholders to remain united, focused, and dedicated to fulfilling the promises made to the electorate.
“The affirmation by the Supreme Court reinforces the confidence Nigerians have in our democratic institutions. I congratulate the APC family in Edo and enjoin them to work in harmony with the governor for the progress of the state,” Tinubu said.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, a former Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC in the 2024 election after a tense primary process. His emergence was seen as a strategic move by the APC to reclaim Edo State from the PDP after several years in opposition.
Political observers note that with the Supreme Court judgment now concluded, the road is clear for the governor to focus fully on governance and bridge-building efforts across ethnic, political, and religious lines in the state.
Citizens of Edo State have also begun to react to the ruling, with many expressing hope that the end of litigation will bring political stability and developmental focus. Civil society groups and business leaders are calling on the governor to prioritise youth empowerment, job creation, education, and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, the APC in the state has scheduled a victory rally and stakeholders’ meeting to review the party’s journey and discuss plans to strengthen its grassroots appeal.
The affirmation of Governor Okpebholo’s election is expected to have a ripple effect on the 2025 local government elections in the state and solidify the APC’s footing ahead of future electoral contests.
As expectations mount, the people of Edo are watching closely to see how Governor Okpebholo translates this judicial affirmation into tangible progress and inclusive governance.
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