The Court of Appeal in Abuja has affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo’s election as the duly elected governor of Edo State.
A three-member panel delivered the unanimous ruling on Thursday. The panel upheld the earlier decision of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
The court ruled that the appellants failed to provide credible evidence to support their claims of electoral irregularities, over-voting, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. He secured 291,667 votes. Ighodalo of the PDP followed with 247,655 votes. Other parties also participated but trailed far behind.
Ighodalo Heads to Supreme Court
Following the Appeal Court ruling, Asue Ighodalo expressed his disappointment and vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
In a statement issued Thursday night, Ighodalo maintained that the legal process is not over. He described the judgment as a threat to Nigeria’s democratic process.
“We have received this decision with deep disappointment, but also with unwavering resolve to continue our pursuit of justice,” he said.
Ighodalo insisted that both the tribunal and the appellate court ignored the will of the people.
“The decisions of both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, though rendered in the name of the law, in effect ignore the will of the people and reward blatant electoral irregularities,” he stated.
He added that the campaign had never been about personal ambition but about protecting the rights of Edo voters.
Ighodalo said his legal team has been instructed to file an appeal at the Supreme Court, stressing the need for the judiciary to safeguard democracy.
“The Supreme Court now bears a profound responsibility, not only to interpret the law and apply same to available facts, but to defend the democratic principles that give the law its meaning,” he noted.
He urged supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and committed to their cause.
Governor Okpebholo Offers Political Amnesty
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo has extended a political olive branch to Ighodalo. Through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor announced an offer of unconditional political amnesty to the PDP candidate.
Okpebholo said he sympathizes with Ighodalo’s post-election challenges and wants him to join hands to develop the state.
“I want to publicly invite Mr. Asue Ighodalo to join us in the APC so that, together, we can advance the cause of development in our dear State,” the governor stated.
He accused former governor Godwin Obaseki of abandoning Ighodalo after pushing him into the race. He also claimed that members of Obaseki’s cabinet, who once supported Ighodalo, have gone into hiding abroad.
“As a brother who truly cares for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, I believe that this political amnesty will save him from this humiliation and loneliness,” Okpebholo added.
Call for Unity and Development in Edo
Gov. Okpebholo stressed that political differences should not hinder Edo’s growth. He said reconciliation and unity are essential as his administration focuses on peace, security, and sustainable development.
The governor expressed his hope that Ighodalo would contribute to these efforts and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
“Asue Ighodalo can be useful in these key areas,” he noted.
The governor said his gesture was to heal post-election divisions and promote a more united Edo State.
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