The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on his victory at the election tribunal. The tribunal upheld Okpebholo’s win in the September 2024 governorship election, dismissing the case filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike noted that the ruling further confirmed the mandate given to Okpebholo by the people of Edo State. He urged the governor to remain dedicated to governance and not be distracted by those attempting to gain power “through the back door.”
“The victory is for the people of Edo State who elected Governor Okpebholo,” Wike stated. He further encouraged the governor to continue his efforts in serving the state.
Wike also expressed confidence in Okpebholo’s leadership, pointing out the governor’s achievements since assuming office. “I believe in him, and with the way he has started, I am confident that his government will have a positive impact on Edo State and its people,” Wike said.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, declared Okpebholo as the rightful winner of the September 2, 2024, election. The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled unanimously in favor of Okpebholo. The tribunal dismissed the PDP’s petition, stating that the party and its candidate failed to provide enough evidence to support claims of over-voting.
