By Ogochukwu Isioma
The member representing Akoko Edo II constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Donald Okogbe, has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on his resounding victory at the Supreme Court on Thursday, describing the judgement as a “glowing testament to the will of the Edo people.”
The Supreme Court, in a landmark ruling on Thursday, in Abuja, affirmed Senator Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, following the September 21, 2024 off-cycle governorship election.
In a unanimous decision by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed as lacking in merit, an appeal the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, filed to nullify the outcome of the governorship election.
According to the Supreme Court, it found no reason to set-aside the concurrent judgements of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the valid winner of the gubernatorial contest.
In a statement issued shortly after the verdict, Okogbe said the ruling was not only a personal vindication of the governor’s mandate, but also a reaffirmation of the faith of the people in democracy and the judiciary.
“On behalf of the good people of Akoko Edo II Constituency, I warmly congratulate our Governor, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his resounding victory today at the Supreme Court, which affirmed his election as the duly elected Governor of Edo State,” he said.
Describing the judgement as “landmark,” Okogbe commended the courage of the learned Justices for upholding the truth and protecting the sanctity of democracy in the state.
“This landmark Judgement is not only a personal vindication of His Excellency’s mandate, but also a glowing testament to the will of the Edo people, as freely expressed at the polls. It reaffirms our collective faith in the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and we commend the courage of the learned Justices in upholding the truth and protecting the sanctity of our democracy,” he added.
Okogbe also congratulated the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire progressive family on the victory, saying the outcome shows the supremacy of the people’s trust and votes.
“I equally congratulate our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the entire progressive family for this well-deserved victory. Together, we have once again shown that our strength lies in the people’s trust and the supremacy of their votes,” he noted.
The lawmaker emphasised the significance of the verdict, saying it reinforces the message that no amount of litigation or distraction can override the resolve of a united and determined people.
“The significance of this Judgement cannot be overemphasised — it reinforces our shared belief that no amount of distraction or litigation can overturn the resolve of a united and determined people,” Okogbe stated.
Pledging the continued support of his constituents, Okogbe assured Governor Okpebholo of the unwavering backing of the people of Akoko Edo II as he continues to deliver good governance to all corners of the state.
“As representative of the resilient and peace-loving people of Akoko Edo II, I extend our unwavering support to Governor Okpebholo as he continues to shine the light of good governance across Edo State, building a future of prosperity, equity and development for all,” he said.
