Supreme Court Upholds Okpebholo’s Victory in Edo Governorship Election

By Aremu Toyeebaht

The Supreme Court has brought an end to the legal battle over the 2024 Edo State governorship election, affirming the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a unanimous judgment delivered on Thursday, a five-member panel of the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, describing it as lacking in merit.

Reading the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba said the PDP failed to present “compelling or credible evidence” that could justify overturning the outcome of the poll.

The ruling upholds the decisions of both the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had earlier declared Okpebholo the duly elected governor following the 21 September 2024 vote.

With this final verdict, the Supreme Court has sealed Okpebholo’s mandate, ending months of legal uncertainty and political tension in the state.

Legal observers say the ruling not only reinforces the governor’s legitimacy but also underscores the judiciary’s insistence on solid proof in electoral disputes.

The judgment is expected to bring renewed political stability to Edo, with growing calls for unity and cooperation across party lines to focus on governance and development.