Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election as a resounding victory for the people of Edo State and a clear mandate for the urgent transformation of the state.
Addressing citizens in a statewide broadcast following the landmark judgment, Governor Okpebholo hailed the ruling as the ultimate validation of the people’s will, freely expressed during the September 2024 governorship election.
“About ten months ago, we won the most fiercely contested governorship election in our nation’s history. An incumbent governor and his anointed candidate were overwhelmingly rejected by our people,” the governor stated. “Today, the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has affirmed that historic victory.”
Speaking with humility and gratitude, Governor Okpebholo dedicated the legal triumph to the good people of Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), his family, and his loyal team. He offered special thanks to God for seeing him through the intense legal battle and commended the Nigerian judiciary for its steadfast commitment to justice.
“At last, Edo people have won,” he declared. “We won in September 2024. We won at the Tribunal. We won at the Court of Appeal. And now, we have won at the Supreme Court. The long suspense is finally over.”
The governor acknowledged the collective anxiety and frustrations citizens endured throughout the protracted legal tussle and called for sustained prayers and support as his government tackles the daunting development challenges confronting the state.
In a scathing indictment of the immediate past administration, Governor Okpebholo lamented how Edo State degenerated into a hotbed of insecurity, cultism, and lawlessness.
“Our dear state, once the heartbeat of the nation, became a shadow of itself — overrun by criminals, cult groups, greed, and fear. Our diaspora citizens avoided home, terrified of kidnappings and violence. Our places of worship were desecrated, our women assaulted, and our youths murdered by untouchable gangs,” he said.
He, however, reassured citizens that those dark days are over.
“Today, I boldly declare: Edo State is free of those vices. All security agencies are hereby placed on red alert to crush these evils and reclaim our streets permanently.”
Rejecting the culture of empty political promises, Governor Okpebholo emphasized that the era of rhetoric without action has ended. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to results-driven leadership, guided by a clear five-point development agenda.
The governor also reiterated his promise to run an inclusive and reconciliatory government, warning that nothing meaningful could be achieved in an atmosphere of hostility and division.
“This judgment marks the definitive end of election matters in Edo State. From the Tribunal to the Supreme Court, every decision was unanimous — Asue Ighodalo and his PDP co-travellers were decisively defeated,” he said. “What remains now is to repair the damage of the Obaseki era, ensure accountability, and reposition Edo State for a prosperous future.”
Governor Okpebholo paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing him as “a father, mentor, and visionary leader” whose Renewed Hope Agenda is transforming Nigeria. He affirmed Edo State’s full alignment with the president’s national vision.
The governor also extended heartfelt appreciation to the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, for his prayers, wisdom, and fatherly counsel throughout the journey.
He expressed deep gratitude to the APC family and supporters across the state “who fought the good fight and delivered this historic victory.”
Concluding on a unifying note, Governor Okpebholo called on all Edo citizens irrespective of political affiliations to join hands with his administration in building a secure, progressive, and prosperous state.
“The time has come for unity, healing, and collective action. Together, we shall rebuild and reclaim the greatness of Edo State,” the governor declared.
