Okpebholo Supreme Court victory celebrated by Akpabio as a democratic triumph affirming APC’s growing strength and popular mandate in Edo State
The Okpebholo Supreme Court victory has been described by Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a resounding triumph for democracy and the will of Edo people following the final ruling that affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State.
Also read: Asue Ighodalo Slams Supreme Court over Okpebholo Election Verdict
Akpabio, in a personally signed statement issued in Abuja on Friday, said the unanimous verdict by the apex court vindicated the All Progressives Congress (APC) and underscored the legitimacy of the September 2024 gubernatorial election.
According to him, the ruling reflected the collective decision of Edo citizens who voted overwhelmingly for the APC.
“What the apex court in the land has done is to affirm the will and wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State. It shows that the election was transparent, free and fair,” he said.
The Senate President further added that the Okpebholo Supreme Court victory validated the governor’s widespread popularity and confirmed the increasing acceptance of the APC within Edo’s political landscape.
“This milestone affirms Okpebholo’s mandate and paves the way for him to continue delivering exceptional service to the good people of Edo,” he said.
He praised Okpebholo’s performance in office thus far, saying, “He has done well in the past seven months, and I believe he will do excellently well in his four-year tenure.”
Addressing the governor directly, Akpabio said, “My distinguished brother, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the wonderful people of Edo on this landmark victory at the Supreme Court.”
He also pledged the Senate’s continued collaboration with the Edo State government for the purpose of advancing development and good governance.
“Congratulations once again, Gov Okpebholo. I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” Akpabio added.
The ruling came as a five-member Supreme Court panel, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, unanimously dismissed the appeal filed by Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party.
The court affirmed the earlier rulings of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which both upheld Okpebholo’s victory.
Delivering its judgement, the apex court held that the PDP and its candidate failed to provide credible, admissible evidence proving that the election was marred by irregularities such as over-voting or substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
It noted that many of the documents tendered were dumped on the tribunal without linking them to specific polling units, especially in 432 out of the 4,519 units across the state.
Furthermore, the Appellant failed to call relevant witnesses, particularly in respect to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.
Also read: APC congratulates Edo Governor Okpebholo on Appeal Court victory, urges PDP to accept judgment
With the Okpebholo Supreme Court victory, the path is now clear for Governor Okpebholo to pursue his development agenda for the state with renewed confidence and legal affirmation.
