Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has stated that he is pleased with the state governorship election tribunal’s ruling, which confirmed his election victory on September 21, 2024.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, made accusations, but the three-member tribunal panel, presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, rejected them for lack of solid proof.
The panel reportedly decided that Ighodalo and the PDP had not supported their allegations against Okpebholo.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the tribunal upheld this decision by ruling that “no competent witnesses were called” by the petitioners to support their appeal.
Okpebholo received 291,667 votes in the September 2024 election, more than twice as many as his nearest opponent Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes. In spite of this, Ighodalo and the PDP challenged the outcome, claiming irregularities in the election, but the tribunal rejected their argument.
According to a statement released by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo urged Ighodalo and opposition party members to work together for Edo State’s overall development.
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The state’s citizens have consistently supported and believed in the governor’s goal of a thriving and united Edo, and for that he is grateful.
“Our goal is to keep up the fantastic job that we have already begun. “This victory is not just mine; it is a victory for all Edo State residents and citizens,” the governor said.
He also underlined that his government will not be sidetracked by “frivolous litigation” and that they were committed to fulfilling the pledges made during the campaign.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to inclusive development, openness, and good governance.
“This mandate is an opportunity to continue building a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he stated, emphasizing the objective of his administration to promote a thriving and cohesive Edo State.
