By Jerry Namdi
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has congratulated Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on his victory at the election tribunal, which upheld his election in the September 2024 governorship poll.
In a statement on Wednesday, Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, described the tribunal’s ruling as a reaffirmation of the mandate freely given to Okpebholo by the people of Edo State.
He urged the governor to remain focused on governance and not be distracted by those seeking power “through the back door.”
“This victory belongs to the people of Edo State who elected Governor Okpebholo,” Wike stated, encouraging the governor to continue his commitment to serving the state.
Expressing confidence in Okpebholo’s leadership, Wike commended his early achievements in office. “I believe in him, and with the way he has started, I am confident that his administration will bring positive development to Edo State and its people,” he added.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday affirmed Okpebholo as the valid winner of the September 2, 2024, election.
The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, unanimously dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo, citing their failure to substantiate allegations of over-voting. The tribunal upheld that Okpebholo secured the highest number of valid votes in the election.
