…Dismisses Ighodalo’s Appeal Due to Lack of Merit

By Sunday Apah

The Supreme Court confirmed on Thursday the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.

In a unanimous ruling delivered by a five-member panel chaired by Justice Mohammed Garba, the court dismissed an appeal lodged by Asuerinme Ighodalo, the candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), aimed at overturning the results of the governorship election conducted on September 21, 2024, citing lack of merit.

The Supreme Court indicated that there were no valid grounds to overturn the consistent judgments from both the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had previously affirmed Okpebholo, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the legitimate winner of the election.

The court stated that Ighodalo had failed to provide credible and admissible evidence to support his allegations of election irregularities, which included claims of over-voting and significant non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

Additionally, the court noted that the Appellant did not summon relevant witnesses to corroborate the evidence presented, particularly concerning the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.

It remarked that many of the pieces of evidence presented were inadequately supported and merely submitted without establishing the claimed non-compliance in 432 of the 4,519 polling units across the state.

“The Appellant did not adequately fulfill the burden of proof required by law,” the Supreme Court concluded in its lead judgment authored by Justice Garba.

Ighodalo’s appeal, marked as SC/CV/536/2025, sought to nullify the ruling from the Court of Appeal issued on May 29, which dismissed his case and upheld Okpebholo’s victory.

The PDP candidate argued that the appellate court failed to thoroughly evaluate his appeal, insisting that the election was conducted without significant adherence to the provisions of the Electoral Act.

The Supreme Court had reserved its judgment on July 2, following the final submissions from all parties involved.

While the PDP urged the court to overturn the existing rulings and declare Ighodalo as the rightful winner based on having received the highest number of valid votes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Okpebholo, and the APC requested the dismissal of the appeal to maintain the election results.

The Court of Appeal, led by Justice M. A. Danjuma, previously refused to annul Okpebholo’s election, upholding the tribunal’s May 15 judgment that validated the results declared by INEC.

The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had earlier dismissed petitions filed against Governor Okpebholo by the PDP and its candidate, along with cases from the Action Alliance and the Accord Party.

INEC had announced that Okpebholo garnered a total of 291,667 votes, surpassing Ighodalo of the PDP, who received 247,655 votes.

Dissatisfied with the election results, the petitioners approached the tribunal, claiming that the election did not comply significantly with the Electoral Act, 2022.

In the petition labeled EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, the PDP and its candidate contended that Governor Okpebholo did not acquire the highest number of valid votes cast.

The petitioners asserted that INEC failed to serialize and properly record some sensitive materials used in the election, alleging that this negligence enabled electoral fraud favoring the APC and its candidate.

Specifically, they claimed there was miscalculation of results in 765 polling units and presented 19 witnesses along with various exhibits before the tribunal.

Among the exhibits were 153 BVAS machines from 133 polling units, which the petitioners argued were manipulated at the collation centers, leading to inflated votes for Okpebholo.

In its ruling, the tribunal determined that the petitioners did not provide credible evidence sufficient to warrant overturning the election results.

It emphasized that the petitioners were responsible for proving that Governor Okpebholo had been improperly declared the winner, a burden they were unable to satisfy.

The tribunal also remarked that the PDP and its candidate submitted exhibits without the necessary demonstrations through qualified witnesses, compromising their case.

It noted that most testimonies provided were hearsay, and the absence of polling agents, presiding officials, or voters to substantiate their claims severely weakened their argument.

Further, the tribunal stated that Section 137 of the Electoral Act did not prevent the petitioners from bringing forth necessary, competent witnesses.

The tribunal dismissed the petitioners’ arguments regarding INEC’s alleged failure to pre-record election materials, stressing that none of the BVAS machines presented were activated to prove that the votes in dispute exceeded the number of accredited voters.

Following the Court of Appeal’s upholding of the tribunal’s judgment, Ighodalo escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, where he faced another defeat on Thursday.

Source: Vanguard

By Sunday Apah

In a show of commitment to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, Olorogun John Oguma has been praised for his remarkable gesture of paying four years’ rent for the party’s secretariat.

Prominent APC members, including Dcn Matthew Kwode, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters; Olorogun Sunday Apah, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, and Chief John Ewenede, Secretary to Ughelli South LG Council, expressed their commendation during a chat with journalists on Wednesday at Otu-Jeremi, the headquarters of Ughelli South LGA.

During the chat, Kwode and Ewenede emphasized the importance of such acts in fostering party unity and operational strength.

They stated that Oguma’s initiative not only alleviates financial burdens but will also inspire other party members to contribute actively to the party’s welfare.

Adding to the praise, Olorogun Apah highlighted Oguma’s substantial financial donations aimed at giving a facelift to the secretariat.

“His generosity goes beyond mere words,” Apah mentioned, illustrating how Oguma’s actions signify a leadership that is deeply entrenched in political party service and support.

Such contributions are essential for the party’s growth and resilience, particularly in an era where political affiliations are often tested.

The party members expressed their gratitude, noting that Oguma’s financial commitment will enable the APC in Ughelli South to focus on its goals and engage more effectively with the people.

By Sunday Apah

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has warmly congratulated former Governor Senator Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa on his 66th birthday.

In a message conveyed through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori hailed Senator Okowa as a forward-thinking leader and dedicated public servant whose commitment to bettering Delta State continues to resonate with many both within the state and beyond.

The Governor commended Okowa for his outstanding leadership during his eight-year tenure, emphasizing that his administration set the groundwork for ongoing development in the region.

He acknowledged Senator Okowa’s steadfast dedication to both Delta and Nigeria, noting his extensive experience in public service, which includes roles as a Local Government Chairman, Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government, Senator, and ultimately Governor.

Governor Oborevwori remarked, “On behalf of the Delta State Government and its people, I joyfully join in celebrating our esteemed leader and elder statesman, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa, on this special occasion of his 66th birthday.

“Your exemplary leadership and character, defined by discipline, political acumen, and patriotism, serve as an inspiring model of humility, integrity, and selflessness. Your enduring contributions to the advancement of Delta and Nigeria are truly commendable.”

He prayed for God to bless the former Governor with many more years filled with health, wisdom, and strength, enabling him to continue serving the nation and humanity.

“As you reach this significant milestone, we rejoice in the blessings of God upon your life and the many achievements you have made. May you enjoy a long life, a preserved legacy, and a future rewarded with peace, joy, and continued fulfillment,” the Governor concluded.

By Sunday Apah

The South South geopolitical zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for reelection in a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement was a key outcome of the APC South South stakeholders’ meeting, which took place in Benin City.

This gathering brought together party leaders and delegates from across the region to assess the political climate and devise strategies for the future.

In a statement issued at the conclusion of the meeting, Hon. Victor Gaidom, the APC National Vice Chairman for the South South, revealed the collective decision made by the stakeholders to endorse President Tinubu and Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Umo Eno (Akwa-Ibom), Bassey Otu (Cross River), and Monday Okpboholo (Edo) as the party’s preferred candidates for the upcoming elections.

Gaidom emphasized that the governors have exhibited exemplary leadership and have delivered commendable performance in their respective states, making them deserving of reelection.

Although Governor Oborevwori is currently accompanying President Tinubu on an official visit to Brazil, he was represented at the meeting by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme.

The endorsement from the APC South South stakeholders is seen as a significant enhancement to Oborevwori’s political profile and sets the stage for intensified efforts to secure a second term at the Dennis Osadebey House.

Additionally, the stakeholders acknowledged President Tinubu’s initiatives in economic reforms, infrastructure advancement, and national security, expressing their steadfast support for his reelection campaign.

The motion for the endorsement, proposed by Prof. Julius Ihonvbere and backed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, received unanimous approval from all stakeholders present.

With the backing of both the president and the four governors in the region, the APC is reinforcing its foundation and generating early momentum as it approaches the next electoral cycle.