President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on the affirmation of his election by the Supreme Court.
The Edo State governorship election took place in September 2024, and Governor Okpebholo was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Supreme Court, as the final arbiter, upheld the election of the governor on Thursday.
Justice Garba Lawal who delivered the judgment dismissed the appeal for want of merit.
Mr Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who was represented by Ken Mosia, had prayed the apex court to remove
Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and pronounce him as the winner of the election.
His ground was that he scored a majority of the lawful votes in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) represented by Kanu Agabi had asked the court to dismiss the appeal in its entirety.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, encouraged Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and rally the citizens of Edo across divides towards a singular vision of advancing the state’s development.
He said it was time for the governor to accelerate the delivery of exceptional services and good governance to the people of Edo State.
President Tinubu also congratulates the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State and calls for cohesion and dedication in effectively discharging the mandate given by the people.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, a member of the PDP, has hailed the Supreme Court judgment.
Wike spoke in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Thursday.
The minister urged Okpebholo to remain focused and see the victory as a further call to selfless service to the people of Edo.
“This victory is for the people of Edo, who elected Okpebholo. It is a call for greater commitment to the service of the people.
“I congratulate the governor and urge him to keep doing his best for the upliftment of his people,” he said.
Wike also urged the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to join hands with Okpebholo to develop the state.
The minister said: “Now that a final answer has been provided as to the question of who actually won the governorship election, it behoves all opponents of the governor to, in the interest of Edo people, join hands with him.”
Earlier, Okpebholo described the Supreme Court judgment affirming his election as a higher call to service and unity of the state.
In a statement in Benin, Okpebholo noted that the victory signalled the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and accelerated development.
He extended profound gratitude to the judiciary for its courage and commitment to justice. The governor pledged to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability.
“My administration remains fully committed to its developmental blueprint prioritising security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation.
“The focus remains clear to deliver tangible benefits that uplift lives and restore confidence in public leadership.
Okpebholo extended the olive branch to all his opponents, adding that the elections were over governance, and the healing process must begin.
He urged political leaders across party lines to rise above division, and contribute constructively to the task of building a greater Edo.
“Constructive criticism and diverse perspectives will always be welcomed, but they must be rooted in a sincere desire to see Edo thrive.
“Edo belongs to all of us. The time has come to set aside our differences, close ranks, and march forward united in purpose and anchored in peace.”
