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| Okpebholo celebrates Supreme Court win in Edo. |
The court said the PDP failed to back claims of vote fraud and major law breaks. It noted no proof showed non-compliance in 432 of 4,519 polling units. It also said key witnesses were not called to tie evidence to alleged faults.
INEC declared Okpebholo winner on September 21, 2024 with 291,667 votes. Asue Ighodalo of PDP garnered 247,274 votes. Olumide Akpata of Labour Party trailed far behind with 22,763 votes.
Okpebholo ran under the All Progressives Congress banner. He took office on November 12, 2024, after serving as Edo Central senator since June 2023.
Ighodalo’s camp took the case first to the tribunal. They cited over-voting and faulty voter machines. The tribunal and appeal court upheld Okpebholo’s win. Ighodalo then moved to the apex court.
In a unanimous verdict, the justices said the appeal “lacked merit.” They said Ighodalo did not meet the burden of proof set by law. The court gave a tight reading of the Electoral Act. It found no breach to flip results or order a rerun. The apex panel also stressed that evidence dumped at earlier stages did not tie to real irregularities.
Justice Garba said the appeal court’s and tribunal’s findings were sound. He noted proper process in polling unit summary. The decision ends all legal moves on this poll.
Governor Okpebholo: He hailed the ruling as a win for Edo’s people. His office urged unity and calm. He said he will focus on jobs, health, schools, and roads.
PDP and Ighodalo: Ighodalo spoke of betrayal. He said the ruling feels like a wrong. He vowed to keep speaking for fair play. Still, he said he respects the court’s power.
Civil Society: Some groups praised the prompt end to legal wrangle. They urged the governor to deliver on campaign promises. Others urged stronger voter education.
Legal scholars note this case sets a clear bar for proof. They say future petitions must bring solid evidence early. Electoral law experts call for better data tracking in polling units. They ask INEC to boost BVAS training for staff.
Political analysts say the firm finish helps Edo’s stability. They warn against long court fights in future polls. They note that quick verdicts cut cost and tension.
With the legal cloud gone, the state can shift to development. Okpebholo’s plan lists road work, farm support, and school upgrades. He also plans youth job fairs and health camps. His deputy, Dennis Idahosa, will oversee public works.
Stakeholders say peace is vital. Business leaders urge swift land title clearing. Farmers ask for seeds and training. Teachers want more classrooms.
The next big test is the 2027 election. Parties will study this verdict for strategy. INEC will likely review its tool kits and training sessions. Votes, machines, and data logs will get more care.
Edo voters also weigh in on social media. Many celebrate the end to uncertainty. Some ask for a national push on vote tech. Others call for tougher limits on appeals.
This ruling shows law and process at work. It offers lessons on clear proof and fast justice. Edo people now focus on work and unity. All sides must talk and share ideas.
The Supreme Court’s verdict ends dispute on Edo’s 2024 poll. It cements Monday Okpebholo’s role as governor. It also maps out proof needs in future cases. Now, all eyes turn to state growth and fair votes in 2027.