By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
In a significant affirmation of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State, the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja on Thursday upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo, declaring his election lawful and valid.
Delivering judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, the appellate court held that the appeal lacked merit and failed to demonstrate any miscarriage of justice in the earlier ruling of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.
Justice Mohammed Danjuma, who read the lead judgment on behalf of the three-member panel, said the tribunal had rightly dismissed the petition of the PDP and Ighodalo, having found no compelling evidence to nullify Okpebholo’s election.
“There is no credible evidence on record to prove the claims of irregularities or non-compliance with the Electoral Act,” Justice Danjuma ruled. “The judgment of the tribunal is affirmed, and the appeal stands dismissed.”
The decision marks a definitive legal victory for Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), whose electoral triumph had been challenged by the PDP following what it described as procedural flaws and irregularities during the election.
Reacting shortly after the judgment, a member of the governor’s legal team, Barrister Ebuka Nwosu, said the ruling reflected the will of the people.
“This judgment confirms that the people of Edo spoke clearly through the ballot, and the courts have now echoed that voice,” Nwosu said. “It’s a win for democracy.”
On the other side, supporters of Ighodalo expressed disappointment but pledged to continue playing their role in deepening democracy in Edo State.
While this ruling may close the chapter on the legal battle over the 2024 Edo governorship election, political analysts believe it sets the tone for the state’s political stability going forward.
Governor Okpebholo, in a brief statement released through his media aide, called for unity, saying: “Now is the time to put the elections behind us and work together to build the Edo of our dreams. I extend my hand of fellowship to all.”
With the appellate court’s pronouncement, the legal fireworks over the 2024 Edo election appear to have been laid to rest — for now.