Governor Monday Okpebholo
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Thursday described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election as the ultimate vindication of the people’s will expressed during the September 21, 2024, governorship election and a call to action for the state’s transformation.
In his post-judgement address to Edo people, Governor Okpebholo said gleefully that having to navigate the whole judicial process, “At last, Edo people have won”.
According to him, “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.”
Going down memory lane, the governor recalled that “About ten months ago, we won the most keenly contested governorship election in the history of our country. It was a contest in which an incumbent governor and his anointed candidate were firmly rejected by the people. Today, the Supreme Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has affirmed that historic victory.”
Dedicating the legal triumph to the people of Edo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), his family, and his team, he expressed deep gratitude to God for sustaining him through the legal battle and thanked the judiciary for its unwavering commitment to justice.
The governor acknowledged the collective frustration endured by citizens during the prolonged legal tussle and called for continued prayers and support as his administration begins tackling the development challenges facing the state.
Upbraiding the immediate past administration, Governor Okpebholo lamented the degeneration of Edo into a hub of insecurity and lawlessness, lamenting how the state, once the heartbeat of the nation, “became a shadow of itself, overtaken by criminals, cultism, greed, and fear”, such that “Our Diaspora citizens avoided home, scared of kidnapping and violence. Our worship centres were desecrated, our women violated, and our youths murdered by untouchable gangs.
“But 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 notion of political speeches without action, the governor emphasised that the time for long rhetoric is over. His administration, he stressed, is focused on results with a clear five-point development agenda driving his governance priorities.
Governor Okpebholo reiterated his promise of a reconciliatory and inclusive government, stating that nothing meaningful can be achieved in an atmosphere of rancour.
“This judgement marks the end of the elections in Edo State. At every judicial level, from the Tribunal to the Supreme Court, the decision was unanimous: Asue Ighodalo and his PDP co-travellers were roundly defeated.
“What remains now is to repair the damage done by the Obaseki regime, ensure accountability, and reposition our state for the future,” the governor posited.
While paying glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who he described him as “a father, mentor, and visionary leader,” and whose Renewed Hope Agenda continued to reshape Nigeria, Governor Okpebholo said “Edo must align fully with that national vision”.
He similarly extended gratitude to the revered Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Ewuare II, for his prayers and fatherly guidance, and to the APC family and loyal supporters who he said, “fought the good fight and delivered victory.”
On a conclusive note, Governor Okpebholo called for unity and healing, urging all Edo citizens to set aside divisions and work together to build a stronger, more prosperous state.
An ecstatic Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Thursday described his victory at the final court of arbitration, the Supreme Court, as “not merely a legal triumph”, but “a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given” to him by Edo people.
A statement by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, commended the judiciary’s “courage and fidelity to justice”, and appreciated the people of Edo State “for their unflinching support, patience, and faith in democracy”.
To his political rivals, Governor Okpebholo extended “a sincere olive branch”, admonishing that “the elections are over; the real work of governance and healing must begin”.
Itua’s statement reads:
“The Supreme Court of Nigeria today delivered a landmark judgment affirming Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, bringing to a conclusive end all legal contestations arising from the 2024 Governorship Election.
“This definitive verdict is not merely a legal triumph—it is a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State. It signals the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and accelerated development.
“His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, extends profound gratitude to the judiciary for its courage and fidelity to justice, and to the great people of Edo State for their unflinching support, patience, and faith in democracy.
“He views this moment not as a personal victory but as a shared triumph for every Edo citizen, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation.
““Governor Okpebholo renews his vow to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability. His administration remains fully committed to its developmental blueprint—prioritizing security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation. The focus remains clear: to deliver tangible benefits that uplift lives and restore confidence in public leadership.
“In the true spirit of statesmanship, Governor Okpebholo extends a sincere olive branch to all his opponents and members of the opposition. The elections are over; the real work of governance and healing must begin.
“He urges political leaders across party lines to rise above division and contribute constructively to the task of building a greater Edo State.
“Constructive criticism and diverse perspectives will always be welcomed, but they must be rooted in a sincere desire to see Edo thrive.
“Edo belongs to all of us. The time has come to set aside our differences, close ranks, and march forward – united in purpose, anchored in peace, and driven by a shared vision of progress.
“Let this victory ignite a new era of unity, dialogue, and impact-driven governance. Let history remember this moment as the point when Edo chose collaboration over conflict, vision over vendetta, and service over self”.