By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his victory at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, describing it as a reaffirmation of the people’s mandate.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), accused his party of attempting to reclaim power in Edo State through legal battles rather than at the ballot box. He urged Governor Okpebholo to remain focused on delivering good governance despite the opposition’s moves.
“This victory belongs to the people of Edo State who freely elected Governor Okpebholo. No amount of litigation or political maneuvering should take away the will of the people,” Wike said in a statement released by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
The PDP had challenged Okpebholo’s victory in the September 2024 election, alleging irregularities. However, the tribunal upheld the election results, affirming Okpebholo’s mandate.
Wike, who has been at odds with the PDP leadership in recent years, criticized the party’s approach, insisting that governance should not be disrupted by endless legal battles.
“The opposition must understand that elections are won on the field, not in the courtroom. It is time to move on and allow the governor to deliver on his promises to Edo people,” he stated.
Governor Okpebholo, who contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC), has assured Edo residents that his administration remains committed to developmental projects and economic growth. His aides say he will extend a hand of fellowship to all political actors willing to contribute to the state’s progress.
Political analysts see Wike’s remarks as another sign of his ongoing friction with the PDP hierarchy, raising speculations about his next political move. Meanwhile, PDP leaders in Edo have vowed to appeal the tribunal’s decision, maintaining that the election was flawed.
As Edo State’s political landscape remains tense, observers believe the tribunal’s verdict could have long-term implications for the state’s governance and party alignments ahead of future elections.