..Your mandate is reaffirmed — Tinubu
…Southern Govs’ Forum hails judgment as triumph for democracy
…Ighodalo, Obaseki warn of grave consequences for Nigeria’s democracy
The Supreme Court’s affirmation of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election victory in Edo State has triggered a flood of reactions from across the political spectrum, drawing praise from the presidency and APC stalwarts, while provoking fierce criticism from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed the PDP’s appeal, which had challenged the outcome of the 21 September 2024 poll on grounds of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The panel ruled that the petitioners failed to substantiate their allegations with credible evidence.
Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after securing 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo who polled 247,655 votes.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, hailed the judgment as “a resounding victory for democracy” and encouraged Okpebholo to govern with humility and purpose.
“This is a massive win for democracy in Nigeria and a reaffirmation of the mandate freely given to Governor Okpebholo and the APC by the good people of Edo State,” the President stated. “I call on you to embrace inclusivity and magnanimity in victory. The real work of governance has begun.”
Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, also welcomed the decision. In a statement signed by his aide, Mr Lere Olayinka, Wike described the verdict as “the final confirmation of the people’s will.”
“This victory is for the people of Edo who voted for Okpebholo. Now that clarity has been provided, it is time for everyone to rally behind the governor for the greater good of the state,” he said.
Wike also appealed to Ighodalo and his supporters to accept the outcome and work with the APC-led administration in the interest of Edo State.
The Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), chaired by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, joined in the chorus of congratulations. In a statement on behalf of the forum, Abiodun said:
“This judgment affirms what the people of Edo and Nigerians have known all along — that on 21 September 2024, Edo voters gave Governor Monday Okpebholo a mandate to pilot their affairs for the next four years.
“This is welcome news for our democracy, for Edo people, and for our party, the APC. While democracy is far from perfect, it remains the best system of government. This verdict further consolidates it in our nation.”
However, the response from the opposition was sharply critical. In a personal statement, PDP candidate Dr Asue Ighodalo expressed profound disappointment, describing the ruling as “a tragic validation of electoral robbery.”
“Though I accept the finality of the judgment, I cannot in good conscience pretend it represents justice,” he said. “What transpired in September was not an election. It was a well-orchestrated robbery, now endorsed by the highest court in the land.”
Ighodalo warned that the consequences would be felt by Edo citizens through poor governance and weak policy delivery. “Though this painful chapter closes today, the struggle for the soul of our state is far from over,” he added.
Former Governor Godwin Obaseki echoed those concerns, describing the verdict as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“While we respect the rule of law and the verdict of the Supreme Court, we must not ignore the troubling implications of this decision. The way the election was manipulated and now judicially endorsed raises serious alarms for the future of our democracy,” he said.
In his own response, Governor Monday Okpebholo called for reconciliation and unity, describing the ruling as “a reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State.”
“This judgment renews my dedication to serve with humility, compassion, and accountability. The campaigns are over. Now begins the hard but noble task of governance,” Okpebholo said.
He extended an olive branch to his political rivals, urging them to set aside their differences and collaborate in the interest of the state.
“In the spirit of statesmanship, I once again offer a sincere hand of reconciliation to all my opponents. We must now unite, anchored in peace and driven by a shared vision of progress.”
As the dust settles, the Supreme Court ruling appears to have widened political divisions even as it closes the chapter on the 2024 governorship contest. Whether unity and collaboration can truly be forged in the wake of such polarised reactions remains a test for all political actors in the months ahead.
