Tinubu, Wike Urge Edo Gov To See Victory As Call To Service

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, have congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State following the Supreme Court’s affirmation of his election victory.

Governor Okpebholo was declared winner of the Edo State governorship election held in September 2024 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

His victory was later contested in Court, but the legal battle ended on Thursday as the Supreme Court upheld his election.

In a statement issued on Thursday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu welcomed the ruling and described it as a reaffirmation of the people’s will.

The President urged Governor Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and unite all citizens of Edo State, regardless of political differences, stressing the importance of building a shared vision focused on development and progress.

“Now that the legal hurdles are behind you, it is time to accelerate the delivery of good governance and quality services to the people of Edo State. You’ve already made a strong start—keep the momentum going.”

The President also congratulated the leadership and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and called for unity and dedication in fulfilling the mandate entrusted to them by the people.

Also, in a statement, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister,  Nyesom Wike, hailed the Supreme Court judgment, affirming the victory of Governor Okpebholo, in the September last year’s governorship election in the State.

Wike, who urged the Governor to remain focused, said he should see the victory as a further call to selfless service to the people of Edo State.

In a statement on Thursday,  by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media,  Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister, described the Supreme Court judgment as a final confirmation of the mandate freely given to the governor by the people of Edo State.

He said: “This victory is for the people of Edo State,  who elected Governor Okpebholo. It is a call for greater commitment to the service of the people.

“I congratulate the governor and urge him to keep doing his best for the upliftment of Edo State and its people.”

While urging the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo to join hands with Governor Okpebholo to  develop Edo State,  the FCT Minister said, “now that a final answer has been provided as to the question of who actually won the governorship election, it behoves on all opponents of the governor to, in the collective interest of Edo State, to join hands with him.”