…history will be the final arbiter – Ighodalo
Sen. Monday Okpebholo has hailed the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming him as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, describing it as a “landmark decision” that marks the end of all legal challenges arising from the 2024 Governorship poll.
However, his challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the People’s Democratic Party criticised the judgment, arguing that the ruling does not amount to justice.
Reacting in a statement on Thursday, Ighodalo described the election that brought Okpebholo to office as a ‘robbery’, saying he accepted the court’s finality but disagreed with its outcome.
Persecondnews reported that the apex court’s five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed Ighodalo’s appeal, affirming Okpebholo’s victory in the election.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo celebrated the ruling as not only a personal milestone but also a decisive moment for the entire state.
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria today delivered a landmark judgment affirming Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, bringing to a conclusive end all legal contestations arising from the 2024 Governorship Election,” the statement partly read.
Okpebholo expressed deep appreciation to the judiciary and the people of Edo State for their steadfast support throughout the legal battle.
The statement reads: “This definitive verdict is not merely a legal triumph—it is a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State. It signals the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and accelerated development.
“His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, extends profound gratitude to the judiciary for its courage and fidelity to justice, and to the great people of Edo State for their unflinching support, patience, and faith in democracy.”
The governor also stressed that the moment should be seen as a victory for all Edo citizens regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
It also stated: “Governor Okpebholo renews his vow to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability. His 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.”
In a gesture of reconciliation, the governor extended an olive branch to his political opponents and urged collaboration across party lines.
He said: “In the true spirit of statesmanship, Governor Okpebholo extends a sincere olive branch to all his opponents and members of the opposition. The elections are over; the real work of governance and healing must begin. He urges political leaders across party lines to rise above division and contribute constructively to the task of building a greater Edo State.
“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, anchored in peace, and driven by a shared vision of progress.”
Concluding on a note of optimism, Okpebholo envisioned a new era of governance defined by unity and results, stating, “Let this victory ignite a new era of unity, dialogue, and impact-driven governance.
“Let history remember this moment as the point when Edo chose collaboration over conflict, vision over vendetta, and service over self. Long live Edo State! Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
But Ighodalo said : “Today, the Supreme Court has ruled. Though I accept the finality of its judgment, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice.
“What happened in the September 2024 governorship election was not a contest. It was a robbery. Coordinated, deliberate, and now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land.
“While I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear to speak truth to power. Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy.
“You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity. And now, we are told that your voice does not matter. That your freely given mandate can be trampled without consequence.
“I feel your pain. I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage.”
Ighodalo, who came second in the poll, praised the efforts of his supporters and promised that the struggle for a better Edo would continue.
He also said: “Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end. The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues.
“Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will, unfortunately, echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court. I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people.
“But we are neither fearful nor broken people. We may be wounded. But all wounds heal. So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will never forget.
“To those who now hold power undeserved, lead with humility. Govern with conscience. History sees what the courts may not. And one day, it will deliver its own verdict.”
Persecondnews reported that INEC had declared Okpebholo of the APC the winner of the election, securing 291,667 votes, defeating the PDP and Ighodalo, who garnered 247,655 votes.
Dissatisfied with the outcome of the election, Ighodalo and the PDP filed a petition with the tribunal, listing INEC, Okpebholo, and the APC as the first to third respondents.
They argued that Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes, alleging widespread irregularities, over-voting, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
They sought to nullify the election, citing issues including non-serialisation of ballot papers, incorrect collation of figures, and computational errors in 765 polling units.
They also accused INEC of failing to serialise and pre-record sensitive electoral materials, thereby enabling alleged rigging in favour of the APC.
The tribunal, in its judgment, ruled that Ighodalo and the PDP failed to substantiate their allegations, leading to the dismissal of their petitions.
The petitioners proceeded to the Appeal Court to contest the judgment.
Following the affirmation of the judgment by the Court of Appeal on May 29, Ighodalo took his case to the Supreme Court, where he ultimately lost on Thursday, July 10.
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