Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Friday expressed strong confidence that the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, would not succeed at the Appeal Court.
The governor was speaking during a gathering at Okaijesan Town Hall in Esan Central Local Government Area, where leaders from Edo Central had organised a celebration for his recent victory at the election petition tribunal.
The tribunal had upheld Okpebholo’s win in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, dismissing the petition filed by Ighodalo and the PDP.
While the opposition party has decided to challenge the tribunal’s ruling, Okpebholo told supporters that he had no doubt the appellate court would affirm his mandate.
Addressing the crowd, the governor appreciated the people of Edo State for standing by him through their votes and prayers.
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He said that his administration would maintain its current pace in pushing development across the state.
According to him, the electorate made their choice during the election, and he believes they will continue to support his government.
Okpebholo also used the event to announce road projects aimed at improving Esan land.
He revealed that the old road from Ekpoma to Ubiaja had already been awarded for dualisation, a move expected to reduce accidents and boost business activities.
He mentioned that the government had been working hard to make roads more accessible and had already transformed places like Enewa.
Speaking further, he said that his government would soon begin to disburse soft loans to interested residents, with preparations already ongoing to compile names.
According to him, the funds are ready and will be released within two weeks.
The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, also spoke at the event.
He described Okpebholo’s victory as a double blessing for Edo people — first at the polls and again at the tribunal. He thanked residents for their continued support.
