By Fred Itua
This Wednesday, Edo State will witness a defining moment in its democratic journey as the Election Petition Tribunal delivers its much-anticipated judgment on the 2024 gubernatorial election. It is a day that carries the weight of history, the hopes of the people, and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.
For months, political actors and citizens alike have waited anxiously as legal fireworks unfolded in courtrooms, with petitions challenging the legitimacy of the election results. Allegations of irregularities and electoral malpractice have been examined meticulously, and now, the moment of truth has arrived.
This judgment is more than just a legal pronouncement; it is a test of our democratic institutions. Will justice be served? Will the tribunal’s decision alter the true will of the people? These are the questions on the minds of Edo people and Nigerians at large. This is an opportunity for Edo State—and indeed the entire nation—to demonstrate maturity in governance and respect for the rule of law.
However, if the proceedings at the tribunal are anything to go by, this verdict may be nothing more than an academic exercise—one that merely reaffirms what the world has known since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Edo State having garnered a total of 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who came third with 22,763 votes.
The facts remain unshaken. Edo people spoke clearly at the ballot box, and INEC, in line with its constitutional mandate, affirmed their collective will. The so-called contestations that followed have done little to dent the overwhelming evidence of Governor Okpebholo’s victory. Instead, what we have seen are desperate attempts by the opposition to clutch at legal straws, hoping for a courtroom miracle that neither facts nor law support.
Elections are won at the polling units, not in tribunals. The people of Edo made their choice, and that choice has since translated into a government already delivering on its promises. Governor Okpebholo has hit the ground running, tackling governance with the seriousness it deserves. Infrastructural development is on course, and the people are already reaping the dividends of good leadership. The question then arises—what exactly is the opposition hoping to achieve with this tribunal case?
Of course, the legal process must be respected, but it is important to recognize that democracy thrives on the will of the majority. The courtroom drama that has played out over the past months has only reinforced Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory. Any contrary claim is nothing but political theatrics designed to distract from the reality of APC’s well-deserved victory.
Beyond the verdict, the response of political stakeholders will shape the future of Edo’s democracy. Will the opposition accept the judgment with grace, or will further legal battles ensue? The responsibility lies not just with politicians but also with the people, civil society, and security agencies to ensure that peace prevails.
As the tribunal delivers its judgment, Edo people should rest assured that their mandate remains intact. No amount of legal maneuvering can rewrite the history that was made on election day. The opposition may seek to create doubt where none exists, but the truth remains unshaken—Senator Monday Okpebholo is the choice of the people, and he will continue to lead Edo State on the path of progress.
One thing is clear: governance will not pause, and Edo’s march towards a brighter future will continue, unbothered by distractions.
Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.
