The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in Asue Ighodalo’s appeal challenging the election of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State during the 2024 governorship poll. The decision followed concluding arguments from both legal teams at the court session on Tuesday
Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, filed the appeal after legal battles escalated from tribunal dismissals to the Court of Appeal’s rejection of his petition. He argues that electoral malpractices and procedural irregularities marred the election results .
Okpebholo, representing the APC, was declared governor with a margin of approximately 44,393 votes over Ighodalo following the 2024 election. He secured victory in 11 local government areas compared to Ighodalo’s seven
During oral arguments, Ighodalo’s counsel contended that INEC failed to follow electoral guidelines, including improper exclusion of valid votes from specific polling units. Conversely, Okpebholo’s lawyers defended the results as free, fair, and transparent.
The apex court is expected to deliver its verdict within the next few weeks. This ruling will definitively decide the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s mandate and could influence political stability in Edo State .
Political watchers anticipate heightened tension depending on the judgment. A ruling in favor of Ighodalo may spark calls for a rerun, while upholding the earlier results will solidify Okpebholo’s position.
