As the Court of Appeal upheld his victory in the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo has extended an olive branch to the defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Mr. Asue Akintunde Ighodalo.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Fred Itua, Governor Okpebholo called on Ighodalo to accept the judgment of the appellate court, which affirmed the decision of the Elections Tribunal and validated the mandate freely given to him by the people of Edo State.
He urged Ighodalo to set aside partisan differences and join hands with his administration to build a more prosperous Edo.
“The judgment, being a confirmation of the people’s will, should serve as a clear signal for all political actors, especially Asue Ighodalo, who has since been abandoned by his political godfather, Godwin Obaseki,” Governor Okpebholo said.
The Court of Appeal, in its judgment, reviewed all arguments presented by the parties and upheld the lower tribunal’s decision, declaring that the election was conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and reflecting the will of Edo voters.
According to the statement, “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 (APC), but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in Edo State.”
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his earlier calls for unity and collaboration, regardless of political affiliations, emphasizing that the development of Edo remains his top priority.
The governor who has consistently extended an olive branch to all, emphasized that now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. “The legal process has run its full course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear,” Itua added.
He further assured that the administration remains fully committed to its “People First” agenda, with a renewed focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
The statement concluded with a call for calm across the state: “Governor Okpebholo urges all well-meaning citizens to remain peaceful and go about their lawful activities. The government is re-energized by this affirmation of its mandate and will continue to work tirelessly in the service of every Edo resident.”
