Okpebholo urges supreme court bound Ighodalo to accept appeal court verdict, work for Edo’s progress

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, to accept the Thursday, May 29 ruling of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which affirmed his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.

Delivering judgment, a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Mohammed Danjuma, unanimously held that the appellants failed to show that the election tribunal erred in its decision and proceeded to affirm the judgment of the tribunal validating Okpebholo’s mandate as the duly elected candidate by the people of Edo State.

But notwithstanding the ruling, Ighodalo has rejected the judgement and vowed to continue his legal battle by taking the case to the Supreme Court, insisting on reclaiming what he described as his stolen mandate.

In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo said, “The judgment, being a confirmation of the people’s will, should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Asue Ighodalo, who has since been abandoned by his political godfather, Godwin Obaseki, to set aside partisan differences and join hands with the administration to build a more prosperous Edo State.

The governor commended the judiciary for its diligence, stating that the verdict reaffirms the judiciary’s role as the last hope of the common man. He described the ruling as a victory not only for the All Progressives Congress (APC) but for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.

Governor Okpebholo further urged the opposition and Ighodalo to reflect on the implications of the prolonged litigation, warning that it could distract from the pressing task of governance and delivering democratic dividends to the people of Edo.

Itua said, “His Excellency, Governor Okpebholo, has consistently extended an olive branch to all, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of our dear state remains paramount.

“Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”

Okpebholo also assured the residents of Edo state that he remained fully committed to his “People First” agenda, which is focused on accelerated development across all sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

He urged all well-meaning Edo residents to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities.

Edo governor also assured of his being re-energised by the affirmation of his mandate by the appellate court, and he would continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every resident of the state.