Supreme Court upholds Okpebholo’s election as Edo governor, dismisses PDP’s appeal

The Supreme Court on Thursday affirmed the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, bringing an end to the legal battle over the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

In a unanimous judgment, a five-member panel of justices led by Justice Mohammed Garba dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, for lacking in merit.

The PDP had approached the apex court seeking to overturn the declaration of Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the duly elected governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The opposition party alleged that the election was marred by widespread irregularities, including over-voting and substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act.

However, the Supreme Court held that the appellants failed to substantiate their claims with credible and admissible evidence. It ruled that the allegations were not only unproven but insufficient to nullify the election results.

READ ALSO: Supreme Court adjourns judgment indefinitely in Edo governorship election

“There is no justification to interfere with the concurrent findings of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal,” Justice Garba said while delivering the lead judgment. “The appeal is without merit and is accordingly dismissed.”

Both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal had earlier upheld Governor Okpebholo’s election, maintaining that the process was conducted in substantial compliance with the law and that the APC candidate secured the majority of lawful votes cast.

The Supreme Court’s ruling effectively seals Okpebholo’s mandate and confirms his continued tenure as the duly elected governor of Edo State.

Reacting to the judgment, APC leaders described the verdict as a victory for democracy and the will of the Edo people, while urging the opposition to join hands in the development of the state.

Meanwhile, the PDP expressed disappointment but said it respects the judiciary and will continue to work toward strengthening democratic institutions in Nigeria.