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Supreme Court Affirms Governor Monday Okpebholo's Victory in Edo State Governorship Election

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Supreme Court has delivered a unanimous judgment affirming the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024. The five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, to nullify the outcome of the election.

The apex court found no reason to set aside the concurrent judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest. The court held that the PDP and its candidate failed to adduce credible and admissible evidence to substantiate their claim that the election was marred by irregularities.

President Bola Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Southern Governors' Forum have hailed the Supreme Court's judgment, urging Governor Okpebholo to accelerate the delivery of exceptional services and good governance to the people of Edo State. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, described the judgment as a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, to nullify the outcome of the election.
  • The apex court found no reason to set aside the concurrent judgments of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
  • Governor Monday Okpebholo has hailed the affirmation of his election as a resounding win for the people and a call to action for the state's transformation.
  • President Bola Tinubu has urged Governor Okpebholo to accelerate the delivery of exceptional services and good governance to the people of Edo State.
  • Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has described the judgment as a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo.
  • The governor has pledged to tackle the development challenges facing the state and has acknowledged the collective frustration endured by citizens during the prolonged legal tussle.
  • The Southern Governors' Forum has hailed the Supreme Court's verdict, urging Governor Okpebholo to devote full attention to actualizing the agenda for which the Edo electorate gave him an overwhelming mandate.
  • Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, has described the judgment as a gross betrayal, insisting that history would deliver its verdict.

Statistics:

  • 5-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba delivered the unanimous judgment.
  • The PDP and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, failed to adduce credible and admissible evidence to substantiate their claim of irregularities in the election.
  • 4,519 polling units in Edo State were involved in the governorship election.
  • 432 polling units had alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
  • The Supreme Court delivered the judgment on May 29, 2025.

Sources:

  • Supreme Court of Nigeria, SC/CV/536/2025
  • All Progressives Congress (APC), statement by National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka
  • Southern Governors' Forum, statement by Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun
  • Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike
  • Governor Monday Okpebholo
  • Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo

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