Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has described the string of defeats suffered by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a cause for celebration in the state.
Addressing supporters on Friday, May 30, after the Court of Appeal affirmed his election victory, Okpebholo led a victory motorcade through the streets of Benin City. He was joined by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, party leaders, youths and market women.
“The PDP keeps giving us reasons to celebrate,” he told the cheering crowd. “We beat them in the governorship election, at the Tribunal, and now at the Appeal Court. We’ll beat them again at the Supreme Court.”
The governor credited the victories to divine favour, saying, “God is in control of Edo State and will keep granting victory to its people.”
He used the moment to thank President Bola Tinubu for standing by the people of Edo and said the state is already seeing signs of progress under the APC-led government.
“Edo people will support President Tinubu again in 2027,” he declared. “No one can silence the voice of the people, not even the PDP.”
Okpebholo accused the opposition party of trying to influence the judiciary with stolen funds but commended the judges for resisting pressure.
READ ALSO: Appeal Court Affirms Okpebholo as Edo Gov, PDP Heads to Supreme Court
“The judges stood for truth and justice,” he said.
He also dismissed claims by the PDP that their mandate was stolen, suggesting they were following the path of unsuccessful alliances.
“They were following figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in forming a coalition that would not succeed,” he said.
“The time of PDP in Edo is over. Under my leadership, we will continue to give Edo people real development.”
The governor pointed to ongoing work, including the flyover project at Ikpoba-Hill, and revealed plans for two additional flyovers as part of his infrastructure agenda.
The Appeal Court had on Thursday upheld his election, dismissing the PDP’s petition.
In the ruling, Justice Mohammed Danjuma said the opposition party failed to present convincing evidence of wrongdoing in the September 21, 2024 election.