By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets of Benin City, the capital of Edo State, on Friday to celebrate a major legal victory for Governor Monday Okpebholo and his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
The rally was led by leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and it followed a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the earlier decision of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, declaring Okpebholo the legitimate winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
The crowd, comprising market women, youth groups, and party faithful, brought major roads to a standstill as they marched in solidarity. Governor Okpebholo addressed the crowd, attributing the APC’s repeated successes to divine intervention and the people’s support. He said, “The PDP is giving us reasons to celebrate in Edo State. We defeated them at the polls, at the tribunal, and now at the Appeal Court. We will still defeat them at the Supreme Court. Their time is over in this state.”
The governor also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support. He credited him for the state’s recent development strides. He assured the crowd that Edo people would back Tinubu again in the 2027 elections.
Additionally, Okpebholo accused the PDP of attempting to manipulate the judicial process, saying, “All the money they stole in Edo was used in an attempt to buy judgments, but the judges stood firm and delivered justice. Those who tried to steal the people’s mandate are now crying foul.”
Highlighting ongoing projects, Governor Okpebholo mentioned the construction of the state’s first flyover at Ikpoba-Hill and plans for additional flyovers. He assured residents that under his leadership, the state would continue to enjoy practical governance and sustained development.
