Okpebholo says the PDP’s appeal over the Edo election result will fail at the Appeal Court as he promises more development for Esan land

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence that the PDP appeal over the Edo election result will be dismissed at the Court of Appeal, describing the opposition’s legal challenge as a wasteful effort that will end in failure.

Also read: Edo PDP accuses Governor Okpebholo of N2.8 billion bribery scheme to defect lawmakers to APC

Speaking on Friday at the Okaijesan Town Hall in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, during a victory celebration hosted by Edo Central leaders, Governor Okpebholo thanked the people of Edo State for their unwavering support and assured them of continued developmental progress.

Reacting to the decision by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to appeal the recent ruling of the election petition tribunal, Okpebholo said the people had already made their choice during the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

“The opposition party has been talking and shouting, but Edo people spoke very clear and loud with their votes. Edo people voted for the right person — Senator Monday Okpebholo. The people will speak again when the time is right,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo dismissed the PDP’s legal action as futile, adding:

“We have defeated them at the Tribunal, and they said they want to appeal. If they like, let them go to the Supreme Court — we will defeat them again.

They have stolen enough money from Edo State and are now wasting it on court cases. They will never steal the mandate Edo people gave me and the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

On development plans for Esan land and the wider Edo State, Governor Okpebholo revealed that his administration has awarded a contract to dualise the old road from Ekpoma to Ubiaja, aimed at improving transportation and stimulating economic growth.

“As we won this election, the first thing we did was to make sure our roads were motorable. If you go to Enewa now, it looks like Abuja. We are working to improve road networks to boost commerce,” he noted.

He added that a soft loan programme promised during the campaign will commence shortly:
“The money is ready. Names are being compiled for those interested in the loan. In less than two weeks, our people will start getting the money.”

Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, also addressed the gathering, describing the Tribunal’s judgment as a “double victory” for the people of Edo State.

He praised the unity and prayers of citizens, saying they had played a role in the electoral triumph and its legal affirmation.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Arewa community in Esan land, Bawa Umar, lauded Governor Okpebholo for promoting peace and development, especially after the unrest in Uromi. He also highlighted the governor’s condolence visit to Kano as an example of his statesmanlike approach to governance.

Also read: Monday Okpebholo sworn in as new Governor of Edo State, ending Obaseki’s eight-years tenure

As the PDP moves to challenge the tribunal’s decision, Governor Okpebholo maintains that the will of the people will continue to prevail, promising to deliver on all campaign pledges.