The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State after dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for lacking merit.
In a unanimous judgment that lasted over seven hours, a three-man panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi ruled that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of electoral irregularities.
The Tribunal noted that the PDP did not call polling unit agents from all the affected polling units where alleged malpractices occurred.
It further stated that the party failed to present competent witnesses to prove its allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The Tribunal added that out of the 19 witnesses called by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents whose testimonies were based on hearsay, which has no probative value in law.
As a result, the panel concluded that the case lacked substantial evidence and upheld Governor Okpebholo’s victory.
Following the verdict on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Governor Okpebholo extended an olive branch to his political opponents, calling for unity and collaboration in the interest of Edo State.
“This victory is not just mine, it belongs to every citizen and resident of Edo State. Now is the time to move beyond elections and politics. Our state’s development requires all hands on deck, regardless of party affiliation,” Okpebholo stated.
He expressed his gratitude to the Tribunal for upholding the integrity of the electoral process and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and inclusive development.
He also urged opposition members, including Asue Ighodalo and the PDP, to put aside political differences and join hands in moving the state forward.
The governor reassured Edo residents that his administration is open to ideas and partnerships that will foster progress, emphasising that the focus should now be on fulfilling campaign promises, improving livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable development across the state.
With the legal battles now behind him, Governor Okpebholo reiterated his commitment to serving the people of Edo State with dedication and integrity.
He urged all stakeholders, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in building a prosperous and forward-moving state.
Earlier, the tribunal dismissed the Accord Party’s allegations of non-compliance and wrongful return of Okpebholo as the governor.
In the first ruling, the Tribunal stated that the Accord Party failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of non-compliance.
The Tribunal resolved the motion against the petitioners, dealing a significant blow to their case.
The second ruling addressed the Accord Party’s allegation that Okpebholo did not receive the required number of lawful votes.
The Tribunal disagreed, resolving the motion in favor of Okpebholo.
In the third and fourth rulings, the Tribunal dismissed the Accord Party’s request to declare their candidate the winner of the election.
The Tribunal cited past Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judgments, emphasizing that relevant facts must be pleaded for such a request to be granted.
The Tribunal also criticized the Accord Party’s petition for lacking clarity and failing to state the facts of the petition.
The motions were subsequently struck out for being imprecise.
This development is a significant setback for the Accord Party and a boost to Okpebholo’s administration.
The Tribunal’s rulings demonstrate the importance of presenting clear and evidence-based arguments in electoral disputes.
