The Supreme Court has ruled that the petitioners seeking to nullify the Edo State governorship election failed to substantiate their claims.
Delivering its verdict on Thursday, the apex court held that since the petitioners did not challenge results from all the polling units across the state, it was “absurd” to demand the nullification of the entire election and to be declared winners.
The court further stated that the appellants failed to call witnesses or tender admissible evidence to prove irregularities in the disputed polling units.
With this ruling, the Supreme Court has affirmed the outcome of the election as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Reacting to the verdict, the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, averred that “this definitive verdict is not merely a legal triumph—it is a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State. It signals the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and accelerated development.”
Governor Okpebholo expressed profound gratitude to the judiciary “for its courage and fidelity to justice, and to the great people of Edo State for their unflinching support, patience, and faith in democracy.”
The Governor renewed his vow “to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability. His administration remains fully committed to its developmental blueprint—prioritizing security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation. The focus remains clear: to deliver tangible benefits that uplift lives and restore confidence in public leadership.
“In the true spirit of statesmanship, Governor Okpebholo extends a sincere olive branch to all his opponents and members of the opposition. The elections are over; the real work of governance and healing must begin.
“He urges political leaders across party lines to rise above division and contribute constructively to the task of building a greater Edo State.
“Constructive criticism and diverse perspectives will always be welcomed, but they must be rooted in a sincere desire to see Edo thrive.”
Going further, Governor Okpebholo asserted: “Edo belongs to all of us. The time has come to set aside our differences, close ranks, and march forward—united in purpose, anchored in peace, and driven by a shared vision of progress.
“Let this victory ignite a new era of unity, dialogue, and impact-driven governance. Let history remember this moment as the point when Edo chose collaboration over conflict, vision over vendetta, and service over self.”
In its own reaction, the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in a statement by Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of its Caretaker Committee in the state, said: “Though the judgment did not go in our favor, we accept it with grace and dignity.
“However, let us be clear our faith is not in man alone. The Supreme Court has spoken, yes, but the Supreme God the Almighty remains the final and ultimate judge. He speaks for the people. He sees the intentions of hearts, the desires of the people of Edo State, and the direction in which they truly wish to go.”
According to the PDP, “this moment is a reminder of how far we have come and how much farther we must go. We remain hopeful that one day soon, our democratic institutions will fully reflect the genuine will of the people, without fear, favor, or manipulation.”
The PDP governorship candidate, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, stressed: “Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end. The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues.
“Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will, unfortunately, echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court. I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people.
“But we are neither a fearful nor a broken people. We may be wounded. But all wounds heal. So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will never forget.”
In his own submission, the immediate past governor of the state, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, stated: “Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict.
“We, however, want to caution that the iconic manner in which the Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
“As people of faith, we leave our matter in God’s hands, trusting that only He knows the appropriate time and manner to deliver divine justice and redemption to our people.”
Summing it up, Professor Anugbum Onuoha, the Edo State Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), in his message of gratitude to the people of the state, affirmed: “This landmark ruling by the highest court in our land has reaffirmed the credibility of our electoral process and restored confidence in our democratic institutions.
“The clarity and depth of the judgment confirm that truth, when pursued with diligence and transparency, will always prevail over propaganda and suspicion.
“I wish to thank the people of Edo State for their peaceful participation in the election and for their patience and belief in the due process of the law. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to Nigerians across the country who continued to trust the integrity of INEC and stood firm in the face of skepticism and political tension.”
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