Appeal Court Upholds Monday Okpebholo’s Election as Edo State Governor
On Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Court of Appeal in Abuja affirmed the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, dismissing the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Background
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024. He secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo of the PDP, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata, who received 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo and the PDP challenged the election results at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, alleging widespread irregularities, overvoting, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. However, the tribunal dismissed the petition in April 2025, citing insufficient evidence.
Court of Appeal’s Ruling
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, led by Justice M. A. Danjuma, unanimously upheld the tribunal’s decision. The court found that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims of electoral malpractice and affirmed that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the law.
Reactions
Following the judgment, Governor Okpebholo called on Ighodalo to accept the court’s decision in good faith and join hands in the development of Edo State. He praised the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and reiterated his commitment to his “People First” agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The PDP, expressing disappointment with the verdict, announced its intention to appeal to the Supreme Court, maintaining that Ighodalo was the rightful winner of the election.
Sahara Reporters
As the legal proceedings continue, the political landscape in Edo State remains dynamic, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments.
