Hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, including market women and youths, were left disappointed on Friday, July 11, 2025, after being denied entry to the Edo State Government House during celebrations marking Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Supreme Court victory.

The Supreme Court had, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, upheld the rulings of the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, affirming Okpebholo as the rightful winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. The landmark judgment sparked widespread jubilation among APC supporters, who gathered as early as 7:00 AM at Benin Airport to give the governor a grand welcome.

By 12:40 PM, when Governor Okpebholo’s aircraft landed, the crowd, filled with enthusiasm, joined a vibrant road procession from the airport to the Government House, chanting solidarity songs and celebrating the victory. The hour-long procession, which included many supporters who trekked due to limited mobility, culminated at the Edo State Government House.

However, the celebratory mood turned sour when security operatives barred the supporters from entering the Government House with the governor. According to reports, the operatives cited instructions to allow only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) access to the premises for refreshments, leaving the crowd stunned and frustrated.

Supporters expressed their dismay at the treatment. Mrs. Omogiate, one of the affected supporters, lamented, “Even in the worst moments of ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters were not treated this shabbily. We stood under the sun for hours to celebrate this victory, only to be locked out.” Another supporter, speaking anonymously, added, “I left my house before 7:00 AM and joined the road show, only to be shut out at the Government House. This is unfair.”

The incident has sparked criticism, with many supporters accusing the authorities of creating a divide between the governor and his base. The Edo State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, and it remains unclear whether the decision to restrict access was deliberate or a logistical oversight.

As the dust settles on the Supreme Court victory, the exclusion of grassroots supporters from the celebration has raised questions about the APC’s engagement with its base in Edo State. Further developments are expected as the public awaits a response from the governor’s office.