The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election of Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Mohammed Garba, made the announcement on Wednesday, July 2, after hearing arguments from both sides. The court stated that a date for the final judgment would be communicated later.
Ighodalo, represented by counsel Ken Mosia, is asking the court to overturn the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. He contends that he secured the majority of valid votes and should be declared the rightful winner.
Opposing the appeal, INEC’s counsel Kanu Agabi urged the court to dismiss the case. He argued that the PDP and Ighodalo had contradicted themselves—calling the election unlawful while simultaneously asking to be declared winners. According to him, the appeal lacks merit.
INEC had declared APC candidate Okpebholo winner with 291,667 votes, followed by Ighodalo with 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.
Following the declaration, Ighodalo and the PDP filed a petition before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, alleging widespread irregularities and violations of the Electoral Act 2022. They sought to nullify Okpebholo’s victory.
However, on April 2, the tribunal—led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi—dismissed the petition, ruling that the PDP failed to provide credible evidence or competent witnesses. The Court of Appeal upheld that decision on May 29, with Justice Mohammed Danjuma stating the appeal lacked merit.
The Supreme Court now holds the final say in the disputed Edo governorship election, with its judgment pending.