The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has announced his decision to challenge the recent verdict by the Edo State Tribunal that affirmed Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the election.
Ighodalo expressed his disappointment with the ruling, calling it a “huge travesty of justice,” and emphasized that his legal team would now seek redress at the Court of Appeal.
“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice,” Ighodalo stated in a message shortly after the Tribunal’s judgment. He made it clear that the legal battle was not about him personally but about upholding the principles of democracy and the rights of the people to freely choose their leaders.
“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn,” he added.
The Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, citing the failure to provide competent evidence to substantiate claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The Tribunal found the allegations lacked merit and criticized the PDP for not calling key witnesses to support their case.
Despite the setback, Ighodalo called on his supporters and party members to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they continue to seek justice. “As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this judgment,” he urged.
He made it clear that this was not the end of their journey. “This is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and I,” he said, reaffirming the PDP’s commitment to fighting for what they believe is right.
Ighodalo stressed the importance of the rule of law in ensuring a fair and credible electoral process. “While we all may not agree with the verdict, we, however, remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy,” he said. “Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised.”
The PDP candidate also expressed gratitude to his supporters, acknowledging their unwavering belief in the shared vision for a prosperous Edo State. “From the very beginning, your massive show of support, sincere love, and belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind this journey,” Ighodalo said.
In closing, he reiterated the commitment of his team to their cause. “For us, it has never been about the realization of a personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear pathway to prosperity for all Edo people while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people. We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.”
Ighodalo’s appeal is now set to move to the Court of Appeal, where the fight for the Edo governorship mandate will continue.
