Appeal Court Verdict: Okpebholo, Idahosa lead APC victory parade in Benin

Benin City, the capital of Edo State, witnessed a major disruption of normal activities on Friday as thousands of jubilant supporters flooded the streets in celebration of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s recent court victory.

Governor Okpebholo, accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led a massive victory rally following the Court of Appeal’s ruling on Thursday.

The appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, which validated Okpebholo as the duly elected governor from the September 21, 2024, polls, as confirmed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The celebration drew enthusiastic participation from diverse groups, including market traders, youth organizations, and loyal APC members, all uniting in a spirited display of solidarity and triumph.

Addressing the crowd, Governor Okpebholo declared that the repeated defeat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) across various levels of the electoral and judicial process was a sign of divine intervention and the people’s unwavering support.

“The PDP is giving us reasons to celebrate in Edo State,” he said. “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.”

Governor Okpebholo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for Edo State, crediting the president’s influence for the state’s recent developmental strides. He assured the crowd that Edo people would back Tinubu again in the 2027 elections.

He also accused the PDP of attempting to manipulate the judicial process. “All the money they stole in Edo was used in an attempt to buy judgments, but the judges stood firm and delivered justice,” he said. “Those who tried to steal the people’s mandate are now crying foul.”

Highlighting ongoing projects, the governor noted that Edo is currently witnessing infrastructural development, including the construction of the state’s first flyover at Ikpoba-Hill in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, with plans for additional flyovers underway.

Governor Okpebholo assured residents that under his leadership, the state would continue to enjoy practical governance and sustained development.