The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party at last year’s election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, says he will appeal the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, which affirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the September 21, 2024 poll.
The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel, in a unanimous judgment, dismissed the petition of the PDP and Ighodalo for their inability to prove the allegation of over-voting, affirming that Okpebholo scored the highest number of valid votes in the election.
The tribunal faulted how the petitioners proved their evidence in relation to the allegations brought before it.
But Ighadalo, in a statement stated in clear terms that he was dissatisfied with the tribunal ruling, adding that he would appeal the judgment.
“Today (Wednesday), the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its judgment in our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21st, 2024 governorship election in our dear state,” Ighodalo stated.
“While we all may not agree with the verdict, we remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy. 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.
“As a committed 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. However, let it be clear: 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, Osarodion Ogie, and me on the platform of our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party.”
Ighodalo further stated that he had instructed his legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the tribunal’s decision.
“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. For us, it has never been about the realisation 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.
“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. 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 to come,” Ighodalo said.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, dedicated his victory to God and thanked the APC leadership for their support, adding that the tribunal judgment was a call to further transform the state.
He stated on his X handle, “Today, the Tribunal affirmed the mandate graciously given to me by the good people of Edo State. This victory belongs to God and to every Edo citizen who believes in our collective vision for a better, more prosperous state.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its leadership for their unwavering support and commitment to democracy. With this judgment, we move forward with even greater determination to deliver practical governance and drive the transformation of Edo State.
“The journey continues. Together, we will make Edo great.”
