Senate President Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State following the Supreme Court’s decision affirming him as the duly elected governor of the state.
In a statement personally signed and released on Thursday, Senator Akpabio described the verdict as “a triumph of democracy and the will of the people of Edo State.”
“What the apex court in the land has done is to affirm the will and wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State. It shows that the election was transparent, free and fair,” Akpabio said.
The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, upholding the earlier decisions of the lower courts which declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the September 2024 governorship election.
Godswill Akpabio praised the judgment as a reaffirmation of grassroots democracy, adding that it shows that elections are won “at the ballot” and by candidates with genuine connection to the people.
“This judgment has again reaffirmed the fact that democracy is at play and the people of Edo State have wholeheartedly embraced the APC and popularly elected their preferred choice of Senator Okpebholo as their governor,” he said.
Commending the governor’s leadership over the past seven months, Akpabio expressed confidence that Okpebholo will continue to perform excellently during his full term in office.
“My distinguished brother, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, on behalf of my family and constituents, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I extend my warmest congratulations to you and the wonderful people of Edo State on this landmark victory at the Supreme Court,” he said.
Akpabio also assured the governor of the Senate’s support in advancing the development and progress of Edo State.
“Congratulations once again, Governor Okpebholo. I look forward to a robust working relationship with you,” he concluded.
