Wike Urges Edo Governor to Stay Focused After Supreme Court Victory
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has praised the Supreme Court’s judgment affirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 2024 Edo State governorship election. The ruling solidifies Okpebholo’s position as the duly elected governor under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A Call to Greater Service
In a statement issued on Thursday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike urged Governor Okpebholo to remain dedicated to serving the people of Edo State. The former Rivers State governor emphasized that this legal victory should reinforce the governor’s commitment to selfless leadership.
“This victory is for the people of Edo State, who elected Governor Okpebholo,” Wike stated. “It is a call for greater commitment to the service of the people. I congratulate the governor and urge him to keep doing his best for the upliftment of Edo State and its people.”
Supreme Court Verdict Ends Legal Battle
The Supreme Court’s decision marks the final chapter in the legal challenge to Okpebholo’s election victory. Wike described the ruling as “a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to Governor Okpebholo by people of Edo State.”
The court dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), effectively ending all legal disputes surrounding the election. This judgment follows earlier rulings by both the election tribunal and appellate court that had upheld Okpebholo’s victory.
Unity Call to Opposition
Wike extended an olive branch to political opponents, encouraging them to unite behind the governor for Edo State’s progress. “Now that a final answer has been provided as to the question of who actually won the governorship election,” Wike said, “it behoves on all opponents of the governor to, in the collective interest of Edo State, to join hands with him.”
This appeal for political unity comes as Governor Okpebholo prepares to continue his administration’s programs and policies following the resolution of the legal challenge.
Background of the Election Dispute
The September 2024 Edo State governorship election had been hotly contested, with the PDP initially challenging the results. After the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo the winner, the opposition party pursued legal avenues to overturn the outcome.
The Supreme Court’s definitive ruling now provides clarity and closure to the electoral process, allowing the state government to focus fully on governance without legal distractions.
Political analysts suggest this judgment could strengthen the APC’s position in Edo State while testing the PDP’s ability to regroup after this legal setback.
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