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Apex court rules Ighodalo’s petition lacks merit
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PDP sought to nullify Edo governorship poll results
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Tribunal, Appeal Court earlier affirmed Okpebholo’s election
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the appeal filed by Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking to overturn the election of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.
Delivering judgment in Abuja, Justice Garba Lawal held that the appeal lacked merit and failed to present sufficient grounds to warrant setting aside the lower courts’ decisions.
Mr Ighodalo, through his counsel Ken Mosia, had asked the apex court to nullify Okpebholo’s victory and declare him winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, arguing he polled the majority of lawful votes.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by senior advocate Kanu Agabi, urged the court to reject the PDP’s appeal entirely. INEC argued that the appellants were inconsistent in their challenge and lacked the legal standing to demand victory after branding the election unlawful.
READ ALSO: Okpebholo wins Edo governorship election
Earlier, both the Election Tribunal and the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, ruling that the PDP failed to prove allegations of irregularities.
Thursday’s judgment by the Supreme Court brings an end to the protracted legal battle over the governorship contest.
