Wike Mocks Opposition, Hails Okpebholo’s Tribunal Victory

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has waded into the heated political landscape of Edo State, sparking controversy with his congratulatory message to Governor Monday Okpebholo after the election tribunal upheld his victory in the September 2024 poll.

In a statement on Wednesday, Wike, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, not only praised the ruling but took a swipe at the opposition, dismissing their legal challenge as an attempt to grab power “through the back door.” His remarks have ignited fresh tensions, with critics accusing him of undermining the democratic right to challenge election outcomes.

Wike, who has had a history of political clashes, declared that the tribunal’s decision reaffirmed the people’s mandate, urging Okpebholo to ignore distractions. However, his outright dismissal of the opposition’s claims has drawn backlash from members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who insist that their case—based on alleged over-voting—deserved a fair hearing.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled unanimously in favor of Okpebholo, rejecting the PDP’s petition for lack of evidence. But with political tensions in Edo still simmering, Wike’s remarks have only added fuel to an already volatile situation.

As the debate over the tribunal’s judgment rages on, Wike’s involvement in Edo’s political affairs has raised questions about his broader political ambitions and allegiances.