The political landscape in Edo State remains charged following the recent ruling by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The tribunal dismissed petitions filed by opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who have vowed to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
Tribunal Upholds Okpebholo’s Victory
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, delivered a unanimous judgment affirming Okpebholo’s election as governor after the September 21, 2024 polls. The panel ruled that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to substantiate allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with electoral laws across 320 polling units in the state. It further criticized the petitioners for presenting insufficient evidence to support their claims.
Governor Okpebholo was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,655 votes. The Labour Party candidate, Olumide Akpata, finished third with 22,763 votes.
Opposition’s Reaction: Ighodalo Heads to Appeal
Unwilling to accept the tribunal’s decision, Asue Ighodalo announced plans to appeal the ruling. In a statement released shortly after the judgment, he described it as a “travesty of justice” and emphasized his commitment to preserving democracy and ensuring accountability in governance. He urged his supporters to remain calm and law-abiding while seeking legal redress.
Ighodalo stated, “This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy and our collective right to freely determine our future.” His legal team is preparing to challenge the tribunal’s findings at the appellate court16.
APC Urges Opposition to Abandon Appeal
Meanwhile, Blessing Agbomhere, APC South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary, called on Ighodalo and his party to reconsider their decision to appeal. Speaking on Thursday, Agbomhere argued that pursuing further legal action would be futile given their inability to present compelling evidence at the tribunal. He advised opposition leaders to focus their resources on developmental initiatives for Edo State rather than “wasting them on appeals”.
Agbomhere added that Okpebholo’s victory reflects the will of Edo citizens and warned against attempts to undermine democratic processes through prolonged litigation.
Governor Extends Olive Branch
In response to the tribunal’s ruling, Governor Okpebholo extended an olive branch to Ighodalo and other opposition leaders. He urged them to set aside political differences and collaborate on advancing Edo State’s development agenda. “Governance should now take precedence over politics,” he remarked in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary.
Okpebholo dedicated his victory to the people of Edo State, expressing gratitude for their confidence in his leadership. He emphasized that the tribunal’s decision validates the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirms public support for his administration.
Legal Challenges Beyond PDP
The tribunal also dismissed petitions filed by other opposition parties, including Accord Party (AP) and Action Alliance (AA). Both petitions alleged widespread irregularities such as voter intimidation and failure to use BVAS machines but were deemed incompetent due to lack of credible evidence. The panel noted that these claims were vague and failed to identify specific polling units where violations occurred.
Public Sentiment: Jubilation and Division
The tribunal’s ruling has sparked mixed reactions across Edo State. Supporters of Governor Okpebholo celebrated what they view as a decisive victory for democracy. However, PDP loyalists expressed disappointment and rallied behind Ighodalo’s decision to appeal. The political divide underscores ongoing tensions between APC and PDP in the state.
What Lies Ahead?
Asue Ighodalo’s appeal at higher courts is expected to prolong legal battles over Edo State’s governorship. While APC remains confident in its position, PDP insists that justice must be served through thorough judicial review. The outcome of these proceedings will likely shape Edo State’s political dynamics for years to come.
For now, Governor Okpebholo continues his call for unity among stakeholders while focusing on governance priorities amid lingering disputes over electoral integrity.
