Benin City – Jubilation swept through Benin City on Thursday as Governor Monday Okpebholo returned from Abuja, following the affirmation of his election by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The tribunal, on Wednesday, upheld Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, declaring him duly elected. The ruling was met with celebration across the state as supporters turned out in large numbers to welcome the governor.
Okpebholo, accompanied by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor, and other top officials, was received by an enthusiastic crowd. The governor’s convoy moved from the airport to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, where residents, unions, and party loyalists gathered in solidarity.
During his visit to the Oba, Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the monarch’s prayers and the support of Edo people.
He said, “I am here in the palace to let you know that the issue of the election petition tribunal between Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo has been resolved in our favour. The three judges unanimously agreed that I won the September 21 governorship election. Your Majesty, I thank you and the good people of Edo for your love and support. I remain committed to delivering the dividends of democracy.”
In a symbolic moment, Oba Ewuare II, visibly pleased with the tribunal’s verdict, laid hands on the governor and offered prayers — a gesture rarely made personally by the monarch.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rejected the tribunal’s judgment, describing it as a “miscarriage of justice” and a “betrayal of public trust.”
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party said the verdict ignored overwhelming evidence that its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the election.
“The PDP insists that with the avalanche of evidence presented and admitted by the tribunal, it was clear that our candidate won the election. Yet, the tribunal contradicted its own findings,” the statement read.
The party alleged that votes were wrongly allocated to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that valid PDP votes were arbitrarily cancelled.
“This judgment undermines confidence in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral processes,” the PDP warned.
In contrast, the APC lauded the tribunal’s ruling as a reflection of the will of Edo voters.
APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, said the judgment validated the party’s victory and praised the judiciary for its independence and professionalism.
“We applaud the judiciary for its well-reasoned decision, which strengthens democracy. We urge Governor Okpebholo to build on this momentum and deliver on the Renewed Hope agenda,” the party stated.
Morka also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support for the party during the electoral process.
