The Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State, drawing sharp criticism from former governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a statement shared on X shortly after the verdict, Obaseki expressed disappointment over the ruling, which dismissed the PDP’s appeal and affirmed the earlier judgments of both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal. The PDP had contested the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, claiming irregularities and electoral malpractice.
“I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Edo State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the victory, which we believe our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, won,” Obaseki stated.
He acknowledged the PDP’s legal efforts, pursued from the tribunal up to the Supreme Court, as a reflection of their belief that the election was compromised. However, he stressed that despite disagreeing with the outcome, the party would respect the rule of law.
“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict,” he said.
Obaseki also issued a warning about the broader implications of the ruling. “The iconic manner in which the Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy,” he warned.
He concluded his remarks with a message of resilience: “As people of faith, we leave our matter in God’s hands, trusting that only He knows the appropriate time and manner to deliver divine justice.”
In its judgment, the five-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lawal Garba, dismissed the PDP’s appeal, ruling that Ighodalo failed to provide sufficient evidence of electoral irregularities. The justices found that the challenge only covered 395 of the 4,519 polling units and was backed by 19 witnesses whose testimonies did not convincingly support the claims.
The decision cements Monday Okpebholo’s victory and concludes a months-long legal contest over the Edo gubernatorial election
