Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has hailed the Supreme Court judgment, affirming the victory of Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, in the September 2024 governorship election.
Wike hailed the judgment in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr Lere Olayinka, in Abuja on Thursday.
The Supreme Court on Thursday, upheld the victory of Sen. Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election in the state.
A five-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous judgment held that the appellants – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the election, Asue Ighodalo – failed to establish their case with sufficient and credible evidence.
Reacting, the minister described the judgment as a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo.
He urged Okpebholo to remain focused and see the victory as a further call to selfless service to the people of Edo.
“This victory is for the people of Edo, who elected Okpebholo. It is a call for greater commitment to the service of the people.
“I congratulate the governor and urge him to keep doing his best for the upliftment of his people,” he said.
Wike also urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to join hands with Okpebholo to develop the state.
The minister said: “Now that a final answer has been provided as to the question of who actually won the governorship election, it behoves all opponents of the governor to, in the interest of Edo people, join hands with him.”
Edo guber election: APC chair hails Supreme Court judgment
Meanwhile, Jarret Tenebe, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo Chapter has lauded the Supreme Court judgement, affirming Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s election.
In a statement issued shortly after the judgment on Thursday in Abuja, Tenebe expressed gratitude to the judiciary and the electorate, describing the judgment as a “confirmation of the people’s will.”
According to him, the judgment marks a “double celebration” for him as it coincided with his daughter’s graduation.
“I am so happy today because the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the election of Gov. Monday Okpebholo came the same day as my little girl Somi’s graduation. It is a double celebration for me,” Tenebe stated.
The APC chairman commended Edo voters, whom he credited with securing the administration’s ongoing development efforts.
“If not for them, we would not be getting the development we are experiencing today. Now, the state will witness even more progress under Gov. Okpebholo,” he said.
Tenebe also praised the judiciary, sayiing that it had truly proven to be the last hope of the common man.
“Edo people are the common man,” he said.