The state governorship election tribunal’s ruling, which confirmed his victory in the election held on September 21, 2024, has pleased Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
For lack of reliable evidence, the three-member tribunal panel, presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, rejected the claims made by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
According to reports, the tribunal decided that Ighodalo and the PDP had not provided sufficient evidence to support their allegations against Okpebholo.
The tribunal upheld the election of Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who was proclaimed the victor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by ruling that “no competent witnesses were called” by the petitioners to support their appeal.
Ighodalo, Okpebholo’s closest opponent, received 247,274 votes in the September 2024 election, while Okpebholo received 291,667. Ighodalo and the PDP, however, challenged the outcome, claiming electoral irregularities, but the tribunal rejected their argument.
Read Also: CBN Debunks Claims on New N5,000, N10,000 Banknotes
Okpebholo urged Ighodalo and opposition party members to work together for Edo State’s joint advancement in a statement released by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua.
The governor thanked the state’s citizens for their steadfast faith in and support of his goal for a thriving and cohesive Edo.
“We are committed to carrying on the excellent work that we have begun. The governor declared, “This victory is not only mine; it is a victory for all Edo State residents and citizens.
He also underlined his administration’s will to fulfill the pledges made during the campaign, saying that “frivolous litigation” would not divert them.
Governor Okpebholo restated his administration’s commitment to inclusive development, openness, and good governance.
He emphasized his administration’s objective of creating a wealthy and cohesive Edo State by saying, “This mandate is an opportunity to continue building a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
