Supreme Court Upholds Okpebholo’s Election as Edo State Governor
The Supreme Court has officially validated the election of Monday Okpebholo as the Governor of Edo State, confirming his victory in the governorship poll held on September 21, 2024.
In a unanimous ruling delivered by a five-member panel, the court dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who had challenged the outcome of the election, alleging irregularities.
Justice Lawal Garba, who read the lead judgment, ruled that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to support claims of over-voting, procedural violations, and other alleged breaches of the Electoral Act.
The court concluded that the appellants were unable to prove that the election substantially failed to comply with the law or that the declared winner did not secure the majority of valid votes.
The judgment further noted that the PDP’s case was limited to just 395 polling units out of a total of 4,519 across the state, and that the testimonies of 19 witnesses presented at the Tribunal stage did not substantiate the party's claims.
With this ruling, the apex court has put to rest all legal challenges surrounding the 2024 Edo State governorship election, solidifying Okpebholo’s mandate as governor.
Comments