The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State governorship election. A five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal delivered a unanimous judgment, dismissing the appeal filed by Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for lacking merit.
The court’s decision was based on the petitioners’ failure to provide credible and admissible evidence to support their claims of election irregularities, including over-voting and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The court noted that the evidence presented by Ighodalo and his party was insufficient to prove their allegations, and that their witnesses failed to provide the necessary authentication and linkage to the alleged irregularities.
The Supreme Court’s judgment was in agreement with the concurrent judgments of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had earlier declared Okpebholo the valid winner of the election. The court’s affirmation of Okpebholo’s victory has put to rest the legal challenge to his election, confirming his mandate as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.
The ruling is seen as a vindication of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) professionalism and integrity in conducting the election. INEC’s role in ensuring a free and fair election was upheld by the court’s decision, which emphasized the importance of credible evidence in proving electoral malpractices.
The judgment has been widely reported, with various news outlets confirming the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Okpebholo’s victory. The outcome of the case has significant implications for the political landscape of Edo State, with Okpebholo’s victory marking a major win for the APC in the state.
The Supreme Court’s decision highlights the importance of presenting credible evidence in electoral disputes. The court’s emphasis on the need for petitioners to provide sufficient and admissible evidence to support their claims underscores the challenges faced by parties seeking to challenge election outcomes in Nigeria.
In the wake of the judgment, Okpebholo’s mandate as Governor of Edo State has been confirmed, and he can now focus on delivering on his campaign promises to the people of Edo State. The APC’s victory in the state is a significant boost to the party’s fortunes, and it remains to be seen how the PDP will respond to the court’s decision.
