Appeal Court affirms Okpebholo’s election as Edo governor, dismisses PDP’s petition led by Asue Ighodalo.
Monday Okpebholo’s Mandate Upheld as Edo Governor
The political atmosphere in Edo State was tense but expectant on Thursday, May 29, 2025,
as the Court of Appeal in Abuja delivered its long-awaited verdict on the disputed gubernatorial election.
In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court affirmed Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Edo State.
This decision effectively ended the challenge brought by Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),
who had contested the outcome of the September 21, 2024, election, citing various irregularities.
The ruling not only cements Okpebholo’s place at the helm of affairs in Edo State but also signals the closure of another intense chapter in Nigeria’s vibrant democratic journey.
Court Upholds Tribunal Ruling
Delivering judgment on Thursday morning in Abuja, the justices stated clearly that the appeal filed by Ighodalo and the PDP lacked merit.
The panel held that the appellants failed to prove their claims that the election was marred by irregularities substantial enough to invalidate the results.
The appellate court further affirmed the ruling of the election tribunal delivered on April 2, 2025, which had earlier upheld Okpebholo’s election.
Edo governorship dispute
In essence, the court concluded that the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal had not erred in law or fact when it dismissed Ighodalo’s petition.
Ighodalo’s Allegations Fall Flat
During the tribunal hearing, Asue Ighodalo alleged widespread non-compliance with the Electoral Act, voter suppression, and vote manipulation.
He further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of colluding with APC agents to skew results in Okpebholo’s favor.
However, both the tribunal and now the appellate court have found these claims unsubstantiated.
The courts agreed that the evidence presented was either insufficient or lacked probative value.
This legal defeat marks a significant setback for the PDP in Edo State,
especially given the high hopes pinned on Ighodalo’s bid to reclaim the governorship for the party.
Victory for the APC
For Governor Monday Okpebholo, Thursday’s judgment is more than a legal endorsement it is a validation of the mandate given to him by Edo people at the polls.
Reacting to the verdict, jubilant supporters flooded the streets of Benin City, celebrating what they called “the triumph of the people’s will.”
APC leaders in the state hailed the ruling as a moment of justice, emphasizing that Okpebholo now has the legal and moral authority to focus squarely on governance.
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Appeal Court Affirms Okpebholo’s Election
Party officials also used the opportunity to call for unity,
urging PDP members and supporters to join hands with the Okpebholo administration in advancing the development of Edo State.
What Next for PDP?
Despite the loss, insiders say the PDP is unlikely to take the matter to the Supreme Court.
Party leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration at the turn of events and acknowledged the weight of two consecutive judicial setbacks.
“This may be the end of the road for this legal challenge,” a party official admitted.
“We will now return to the drawing board and start preparing for 2027.”
Observers believe that the outcome may spark internal debates within the PDP about strategy, candidate selection,
and grassroots mobilization in future elections.
Okpebholo’s Agenda: From Courtroom to Construction Sites
Since assuming office in late 2024,
Governor Okpebholo has tried to strike a balance between pursuing his development agenda and navigating the distractions of legal contestations.
With the court hurdle now cleared, attention is shifting to his policy goals.
Among his early priorities is infrastructure renewal, particularly the Auchi-Igarra-Ibillo Road, a critical artery for economic movement in Edo North.
The governor has also proposed an amnesty programme for cultists and illegal arms possessors as part of his broader security reform strategy.
Edo State development projects
Education, youth empowerment, and healthcare remain on his administration’s agenda, with several projects currently in the pipeline.
Citizens React: Hope, Relief, and Expectations
On the streets of Edo, reactions to the court ruling have been mixed.
While many APC supporters see the affirmation as a victory for democracy, some ordinary citizens are simply relieved that the political back-and-forth is over.
“I don’t support any party,” said Rita Eboh, a market woman in Auchi, “but I just want peace and good governance.
Let the governor focus now. We are watching.”
Others expressed hope that the removal of distractions would help the governor accelerate his plans.
Analysts Weigh In
Political analysts view the judgment as a stabilizing moment for Edo’s political environment.
“Litigation is an integral part of the democratic process,” said Dr. Okon Obong, a political science lecturer at the University of Benin.
“But now that the courts have spoken, both sides should move forward. Governance cannot wait forever.”
Analysts also warn the APC not to take its victory for granted, urging the administration to convert its electoral success into tangible outcomes.
National Implications
The Appeal Court judgment could have ripple effects beyond Edo State.
With general elections looming in 2027, party strategists nationwide are closely watching how the judiciary treats post-election disputes.
The ruling sends a clear signal about the need for evidence-based petitions and adherence to electoral procedures.
It also reinforces public confidence in the judicial process, despite growing concerns about judicial independence and political interference.
Call for Unity and Development
In his post-judgment statement, Governor Okpebholo extended an olive branch to the opposition,
calling for reconciliation and joint efforts in rebuilding the state.
“There is no victor, no vanquished,” he said. “Now is the time to serve.
I invite all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, to join hands as we build a prosperous Edo.”
Political reconciliation, if it happens, could usher in a more inclusive governance model and reduce political tension in the months ahead.
Conclusion: A Mandate Legitimized
The Appeal Court’s affirmation of Monday Okpebholo’s election is more than a win for the APC it is a defining moment in Edo’s political trajectory.
For now, the gavel has sounded, the courtroom has emptied, and governance must resume at full speed.
What Edo citizens expect is not endless celebration, but results. Roads must be built. Jobs must be created.
Hospitals must work. And trust must be earned.
As one chapter ends, another begins.
Join the conversation:
What’s your take on the Appeal Court ruling?
Do you think Okpebholo can now deliver on his promises without opposition distractions? Share your thoughts below.
Author: Akin Akuji
Date:May 29,2025