Politics
UPDATE: Reactions Trail Supreme Court Judgement, over Okpebholo’s confirmation
Asue Ighodalo, the honorable candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, has kicked against the Supreme Court’s judgment confirming Governor Monday Okpebholo as the rightful winner, describing the ruling as a painful blow to justice and democracy.
In a statement released on Thursday, moments after the apex court dismissed his appeal, Ighodalo acknowledged the finality of the decision.
Ighodalo said: “Though I accept the finality of its judgment, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice,” he said.
Below is a copy of Ighodalo’s statement of the Supreme Court’s judgment:
“What happened in the September 2024 Governorship Election was not a contest. It was a robbery. Coordinated. Deliberate. And now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land.”
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous verdict delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, upheld the earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which had dismissed Ighodalo’s petition and affirmed Okpebholo’s victory.
The court held that the PDP and its candidate failed to present credible evidence of alleged electoral irregularities, including over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
It faulted the PDP for relying on documentary evidence that was “dumped” on the court without proper demonstration, and for failing to call essential witnesses to validate their claims, particularly regarding data from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Despite the legal defeat, Ighodalo praised the spirit of his supporters, especially the youth and elders who he said had placed hope in his candidacy.
“To every young person who saw in this moment the birth of a new Edo… to every woman and man who prayed, campaigned, and voted — we may not have won the office, but we won something greater.
We found one another. We discovered our collective strength,” he wrote.
Ighodalo warned that the consequences of what he described as a “flawed” judgment would be felt in the governance of the state.
“I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people,” he said, urging those currently in power to “lead with humility” and “govern with conscience,” while stressing that “history sees what the courts may not.”
“Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end. The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues… We will not retreat. We will not be silenced.
And we will never forget.”
Recall that Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was declared winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship poll with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo of the PDP who polled 247,655 votes.
Politics
Police Disrupt BAT/OGD Rally in Ogun
The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Police on Wednesday disrupted a planned political gathering of supporters of former governor Gbenga Daniel at his GRA residence Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State.
The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
“Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blockaded OGD’s residence to deny access to the venue of the BAT/OGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” said an aide to the former governor, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.
It was learned that security agents blocked all access routes to Daniel’s residence, effectively preventing members of the group from holding their meeting.
The BAT/OGD; Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, alongside Daniel’s anticipated return to the Senate.
The programme, convened under the Gateway Front Foundation; an initiative of Senator Daniel, has traditionally served as a platform for empowering constituents across the senatorial district.It was gathered that no fewer than 10,000 beneficiaries were expected to benefit from the outreach.
However, the heavy presence of security operatives reportedly forced organisers and participants to abandon the event.
Eyewitnesses said many supporters were left stranded and visibly distraught, as they could not gain entry to the venue due to the blockade.
Politics
Supreme Court postpone ruling on ADC’s leadership disputes
A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.
The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.
A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.
The judge or bench takes time to carefully consider complex evidence, arguments, and legal precedents, often issuing a written decision later.
Justice Garba made the announcement after lawyers to parties adopted their various briefs and prayed the court to grant their reliefs.
Mark’s appeal, marked: SC/CV/180/2026 is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.
Politics
Adelabu to resign as power minister
Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu will be resigning his position as minister of power in the coming days.
This was disclosed this morning by Mr Tunji Bolaji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the minister.
According to Bolaji, Adelabu is resigning for his governorship aspiration in the 2027 election.
He said that the timing of the minister’s anticipated resignation reflected his commitment to addressing key sectoral challenges and ensuring continuity in ongoing reforms prior to exiting office.
According to him, Adelabu, on Tuesday, met with President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where he presented a comprehensive report on his stewardship of the power sector over the past two and a half years.”
President Tinubu commended the minister for his dedication and the progress recorded, particularly in laying a strong policy foundation for the transformation of the power sector.
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