The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, alongside its 2024 governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has rejected the verdict delivered by the State’s Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal on Wednesday, calling it a “huge travesty of justice.” Despite the ruling, which affirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected candidate, the PDP has vowed to appeal the decision at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement released by Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP State Chairman, the party expressed its full respect for the judiciary but firmly disagreed with the Tribunal’s judgment. The PDP contends that Ighodalo was duly elected by the majority of voters and believes they presented a strong case before the Tribunal.
“We are certain that Asue Ighodalo was the true winner of the election and will challenge this decision at the Appeal Court,” Aziegbemi said, urging party members to remain steadfast and continue their legal battle for justice.
Ighodalo, in his own statement, also expressed disagreement with the judgment but emphasized his commitment to the rule of law. He assured his supporters that the fight to reclaim what he referred to as the “people’s stolen mandate” was far from over.
“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,” Ighodalo stated, calling on his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding throughout the process.
He reiterated that the legal battle was not about personal ambition but about safeguarding democratic principles and ensuring that the votes of Edo people count. Ighodalo has instructed his legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal in the pursuit of justice.
The Tribunal, which convened in Abuja, dismissed the PDP’s petition challenging the electoral victory of Governor Okpebholo, further solidifying his position as the elected governor. As the matter moves to the appellate court, political observers are expecting an intensification of the legal battle, although Ighodalo has called for calm and urged the people of Edo State to trust the judicial process.
