The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has confirmed Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled in favor of Okpebholo, rejecting the petition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

Reactions to the judgement have been mixed. PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, accepted the tribunal’s decision but blamed Governor Godwin Obaseki for the party’s struggles in the election. He urged the PDP to rebuild by bringing back those who left due to conflicts during the primary elections.

Chris Nehikhare, the PDP caretaker committee’s publicity secretary in Edo State, expressed disappointment in the tribunal’s ruling. He said the party is waiting for the Certified True Copy of the judgement before deciding on its next move.

On the other hand, Barrister Anslem Ojezua, a former PDP member who joined the APC, was not surprised by the verdict. He advised Dr. Asue Ighodalo to accept the outcome, congratulate Governor Okpebholo, and work with him for the progress of Edo State.

Ojezua emphasized that governance should be the priority now, stating that legal matters are different from political debates.

With the tribunal’s ruling, the political landscape in Edo State is set for new developments as parties decide their next steps.