Supreme Court Affirms Okpebholo’s Election as Edo Governor

 The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State, affirming the verdict on July 10, 2025, in a unanimous decision by a five-judge panel. 

The ruling dismissed appeals by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who challenged the September 21, 2024, governorship election results won by Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The court found no substantial evidence of irregularities to overturn the Electoral Commission’s declaration.

Okpebholo, who secured 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,274, celebrated the judgment as a validation of the electorate’s will, while his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, congratulated him despite past political rivalry. The PDP alleged vote-buying and result manipulation, but the court ruled the petitions lacked merit, citing procedural flaws. 

The affirmation ends a nine-month legal battle, stabilizing Edo’s political landscape ahead of local elections. Analysts note the ruling strengthens the APC’s grip in the South-South region, though concerns linger about electoral transparency. Okpebholo pledged inclusive governance, with an inauguration ceremony planned for July 12.