Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, has described the Supreme Court’s affirmation of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected Governor of Edo State as “well-deserved” and a victory for democracy.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abeokuta by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Kayode Akinmade, Governor Abiodun congratulated Okpebholo on the final verdict, stating that it put to rest any lingering doubts about the legitimacy of his electoral win.
Abiodun noted that the ruling silences suggestions that Okpebholo’s emergence was a matter of chance, and it now provides him the opportunity to fully implement his governance agenda for Edo State.
“On behalf of my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I warmly welcome the Supreme Court’s ruling that confirms what the people of Edo and Nigerians have known all along,” the statement read.
“The decision by the apex court, which aligns with the earlier rulings of the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, affirms the mandate rightly given by the people and declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
He described the ruling as a boost to democratic institutions in Nigeria, adding: “Democracy may not be flawless, but it remains the best system of government we have, and this victory reinforces its credibility and strength.”
Governor Abiodun further expressed confidence in Okpebholo’s leadership, stating that the people of Edo can now look forward to purposeful governance.
“This outcome marks the beginning of great things for the people of Edo State and the country at large. I am confident that Governor Okpebholo, with his people-oriented and dynamic style of leadership, will meet the expectations of the citizens,” he added.
The Supreme Court ruling brings an end to the legal contest over the governorship election in Edo, which had previously been upheld at both the tribunal and appellate court levels.