Appeal Court Rules Okpebholo Won Edo Guber Election, APC Celebrates Legal Victory

The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, dealing a decisive blow to the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

The ruling, delivered on Thursday, affirmed the verdict of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier dismissed the opposition’s challenge for lack of merit.

In a swift response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated Governor Okpebholo and his Deputy, Denis Idahosa, hailing the judgment as a reaffirmation of the people’s mandate and a victory for democracy.

“The APC salutes the courage of the judiciary in upholding the will of the Edo people. This verdict is a validation of the trust reposed in our party and candidates during the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election,” the party said in a statement.

The judgment comes after weeks of legal battles, during which the PDP and Ighodalo alleged irregularities in the electoral process.

However, the Appeal Court dismissed all grounds of appeal, ruling that the petitioners failed to prove their claims beyond reasonable doubt.

Supporters of Governor Okpebholo erupted in jubilation across parts of the state following the announcement, waving APC flags and chanting slogans in support of the administration.

The Governor, who took office with a bold reform agenda, expressed gratitude to the judiciary and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering good governance.

“We are humbled by this affirmation of our victory. The judiciary has again demonstrated its role as a pillar of democracy.

Now, we focus on governance, unity, and building a better Edo for all,” Okpebholo said in a brief statement from Benin City.

Meanwhile, PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo has rejected the ruling and vowed to pursue the matter at the Supreme Court.

In a statement released shortly after the judgment, he expressed disappointment but urged his supporters to remain calm.

“We respect the judicial process but remain convinced that justice has not been served. We will take this case to the apex court in our quest to reclaim the people’s mandate,” Ighodalo stated.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner of the 2024 gubernatorial election, which was marked by a strong voter turnout and relatively peaceful conduct across the state.

Political observers say the Appeal Court’s decision could mark a turning point in Edo’s political landscape, as the APC consolidates its grip on the state amid rising expectations from the electorate.

As the legal dust begins to settle, attention now turns to governance and delivery areas where the Okpebholo administration will be keen to justify the faith of the electorate and the judiciary.