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JUST IN: S’Court Declares Okpebholo Duly Elected Edo Governor

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The Supreme Court of Nigeria has upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, bringing an end to the legal challenge mounted by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo.

In a unanimous judgement delivered on Thursday by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, the apex court dismissed the appeal filed by Ighodalo for lacking merit, thereby confirming the rulings of both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s Fiscal Renaissance Earns Edo State N52.6bn IGR in Six Months

According to the court, Ighodalo and the PDP failed to provide credible and admissible evidence to support their allegations of electoral irregularities, including claims of over-voting and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act during the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

Justice Garba, who read the lead judgement, said: “The Appellant did not satisfactorily discharge the burden of proof placed on him by the law.”

The court noted that several pieces of evidence, including BVAS machines, were merely “dumped” on the tribunal without proper demonstration or corroboration by competent witnesses. The Supreme Court maintained that such lapses undermined the petitioner’s case.

Ighodalo had approached the Supreme Court under appeal number SC/CV/536/2025, seeking to overturn the May 29 ruling of the Court of Appeal, which upheld Okpebholo’s election victory.

Earlier, the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led tribunal had on May 15 dismissed multiple petitions filed by the PDP, the Action Alliance (AA), and the Accord Party (AP), all of which challenged the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s win.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, the winner of the election with 291,667 votes, ahead of PDP’s Ighodalo who polled 247,655 votes.

The petitioners had claimed that INEC failed to properly serialise and pre-record election materials, which they alleged enabled vote manipulation in favour of the APC.

They also alleged incorrect computation of results in 765 polling units and tendered 153 BVAS machines and testimonies from 19 witnesses to back their claims.

However, both the tribunal and the appellate court found that the evidence presented did not convincingly prove that the results were manipulated or that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the law.

The courts emphasized that key witnesses such as polling unit agents, presiding officers, or actual voters were not called to support the claims—rendering the testimonies mostly hearsay.

Thursday’s Supreme Court decision brings to a close all legal disputes surrounding the Edo governorship poll and firmly establishes Governor Okpebholo’s mandate.

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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