APC Hails Supreme Court Ruling Affirming Okpebholo’s Victory in Edo

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the Supreme Court judgement delivered on Thursday, which affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, describing it as a significant triumph for democracy and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the APC congratulated Governor Okpebholo on what it called a “historic victory,” and lauded the resilience and support of its members, campaigners, and the people of Edo State throughout the post-election legal battle.

This judgement is a testament to the will of the people of Edo State who overwhelmingly voted for the APC and Governor Okpebholo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election,” the statement read. “We commend our teeming supporters across the state who stood firm in defence of the mandate, and we reaffirm our commitment to delivering good governance under the progressive ideals of our party.”

The five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who had sought to overturn the outcome of the election. The apex court ruled that the appellant failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant nullification of the election results, thereby upholding the verdict of the lower courts.

Morka noted that the decision of the Supreme Court once again affirms the integrity and independence of Nigeria’s judiciary and its vital role in safeguarding electoral justice.

“We commend the judiciary for its dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the rule of law, constitutional order, and the defence of our electoral democracy as demonstrated in the adjudication of this matter,” he said.

With this ruling, the APC said it is now fully focused on governance and delivering on its promises to the people of Edo State. The party urged all stakeholders, including opposition parties, to set aside political differences and work together in the interest of the state’s development.

Governor Okpebholo, who was declared winner of the 2024 gubernatorial election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had faced legal challenges from the opposition PDP, which alleged electoral irregularities.

However, the case was dismissed by both the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal before arriving at the Supreme Court.

The final decision by the apex court has now laid to rest all disputes surrounding the election, paving the way for Governor Okpebholo to concentrate fully on governance and the implementation of his development agenda.