The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is not backing down in its fight to reclaim what it describes as the “stolen mandate” of its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, in the 2024 Edo State Governorship Election. The party has expressed strong confidence that the Election Petition Tribunal will nullify the results and declare its candidate the rightful winner.
During a press briefing in Benin City on Monday, PDP’s Acting Chairman in Edo State, Tony Azeigbemi, reiterated the party’s stance, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of inflicting hardship on the people since taking office.
‘Edo People Are Suffering Under APC’
Azeigbemi painted a grim picture of life in Edo State under Governor Monday Okpebholo, alleging that insecurity, economic struggles, and poor governance have worsened since the APC took over.
“For the past three months, Edo people have endured worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and poor governance under the APC-led administration,” he stated.
The PDP chairman argued that the election was marred by irregularities and that the party had gathered substantial proof to support its claims.
‘Our Evidence Will Expose Electoral Fraud’
The PDP insists that its case at the tribunal is rock-solid. According to Azeigbemi, the party has submitted comprehensive documentary evidence proving that the September 21, 2024, governorship election was rigged.
“We believe our evidence outrightly exposes the electoral heist that took place during the election,” he asserted.
He further revealed that the PDP had presented its final written addresses, and the party remained confident that the tribunal would rule in its favor and return the mandate to Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
Clash with APC Over Tribunal Case
The PDP also took a swipe at APC leaders who dismissed the opposition’s legal efforts. APC Acting Chairman Jarret Tenabe and former governor Adams Oshiomhole had earlier claimed that the PDP merely “dumped documents” at the tribunal without presenting enough witnesses.
In response, Azeigbemi fired back, saying, “The APC leadership lacks the acumen to read and understand our petition. It is the tribunal members, not the APC, who possess the expertise to thoroughly examine and interpret our case.”
What’s Next?
The legal battle over Edo’s governorship election is now in the hands of the tribunal, and its verdict will have far-reaching consequences for the state’s political future. While the PDP remains hopeful that justice will be served, the APC is confident that the election results will stand
