Okpebholo Hails Appeal Court Ruling, Urges Ighodalo To Accept Verdict

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has praised the Court of Appeal in Abuja for affirming his victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, a three-member panel of justices dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the April 2, 2025 judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

Reacting to the ruling, Governor Okpebholo, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ituah, urged Ighodalo to respect the decision of the court, describing it as the true reflection of the will of the people.

“Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man,” the statement read. “This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State.”

He further urged the opposition to reflect on the verdict, noting that prolonged legal battles only distract from the core mission of governance and service delivery.

The governor reiterated his consistent call for unity across political lines, emphasizing that the development of Edo State must remain the collective priority. He called on Ighodalo to demonstrate sportsmanship and statesmanship by accepting the judgment.

“Since the legal process has run its course and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear, it is time to move forward,” he added.