Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has commended the Court of Appeal, Abuja, for affirming his September 21, 2024, governorship election. 

Justice Mohammed Danjuma who presided over a three-man panel of justices of the Appeal Court in Abuja, in unanimous judgement earlier in the day, dismissed the appeal by both the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the April 2, 2025, judgement of the State Election Petition Tribunal.

Responding to the appeal court judgement, Mr Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Ituah, told Mr Ighodalo, to accept the ruling because it was the will of the people.

The statement said, “Governor Monday Okpebholo commends the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man.  This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State.

“Governor Okpebholo urges the opposition and Asue Ighodalo to reflect on the judgment. The prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.’’

The governor stated that he had consistently extended an olive branch to everyone, irrespective of political leanings, emphasising that the development of the state remains paramount.

He therefore urged Mr Ighodalo to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship, adding “since the legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”