Dafinone Hails Okpebholo’s Supreme Court Victory, Urges Inclusive Leadership

Delta Central Senator, Ede Dafinone, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Senator Monday Okpebholo following Thursday’s Supreme Court judgement which affirmed him as the duly elected governor of Edo State, describing the ruling as a victory for democracy and a resounding affirmation of the people’s will.

In a statement released on Friday, Senator Dafinone praised the judiciary for what he called a “sound, courageous, and fair judgment,” which dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo. “This landmark judgment brings to finality the legal contestation over the 2024 Edo governorship election,” he noted, adding that it “strengthens public confidence in our democratic and judicial institutions.”

Calling the decision a personal triumph for Okpebholo and a collective validation for the people of Edo State, Dafinone urged the governor to now focus on governance and unity. “As Governor Okpebholo settles fully into office,” he said, “I urge him to bring to bear his wealth of legislative and public service experience in reshaping Edo State and propelling it to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other fast-developing states in Nigeria.”

The Delta Central lawmaker also charged the newly affirmed governor to lead with magnanimity and a sense of inclusion. “This moment calls for statesmanship and unity. Elections may have divided the people, but leadership must unite them,” he stated. “Now is the time to build bridges, heal wounds, and chart a collective course for the progress of Edo State.”

Dafinone further appealed to all political stakeholders in Edo to work together with the governor to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, emphasizing that “the energy and promise of Edo State must not be stifled by political differences, but harnessed for the common good.”

“I, Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, heartily congratulate His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on his well-deserved victory at the Supreme Court, which on Thursday affirmed him as the duly elected Governor of Edo State. This landmark judgment brings to finality the legal contestation over the 2024 Edo governorship election, following the dismissal of the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

“This victory is not only a personal triumph for Senator Okpebholo but also a reaffirmation of the will of the good people of Edo State who freely gave him their mandate. I commend the judiciary for delivering a sound, courageous, and fair judgment that has once again strengthened public confidence in our democratic and judicial institutions.

“As Governor Okpebholo settles fully into office, I urge him to bring to bear his wealth of legislative and public service experience in reshaping Edo State and propelling it to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other fast-developing states in Nigeria. The challenges of governance are great, but so are the opportunities to build a more prosperous, secure, and inclusive state for all Edo citizens.

“This moment calls for statesmanship and unity. I encourage His Excellency to be magnanimous in victory by embracing all Edo people, regardless of political affiliation. Elections may have divided the people, but leadership must unite them. Now is the time to build bridges, heal wounds, and chart a collective course for the progress of Edo State.

“I also call on all stakeholders in Edo, across party lines, to join hands with Governor Okpebholo in delivering good governance to the people. The energy and promise of Edo State must not be stifled by political differences, but harnessed for the common good.

“Once again, I congratulate Governor Monday Okpebholo on this judicial affirmation. May your tenure be marked by peace, visionary leadership, and transformational achievements that will be remembered by generations to come,” he stated.