The 2024 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has openly rejected the Supreme Court verdict that upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as governor.
Supreme Court Rules in Favour of Okpebholo
The Supreme Court, in its ruling on Thursday, dismissed Ighodalo’s appeal, saying it lacked merit. The five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal ruled that Ighodalo failed to prove his claims of election irregularities, non-compliance, and unlawful votes.
According to the court, the evidence presented by the PDP candidate was insufficient to overturn Okpebholo’s victory. With this judgment, Monday Okpebholo remains the recognised governor of Edo State.
Ighodalo Slams Supreme Court Verdict
However, Ighodalo described the judgment as a clear betrayal of democratic values. He expressed disappointment over the ruling, claiming the September 22, 2024 election was manipulated.
“Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy,” Ighodalo stated.
He said many voters came out with hope and voted for “competence, progress, and prosperity,” but their voices were allegedly silenced by the court decision.
Ighodalo, although offering no evidence, maintained that the election was rigged to favour Okpebholo.
Vows to Keep Fighting Despite Loss
Despite the court ruling, Ighodalo vowed not to give up, insisting that the people of Edo State deserve better.
“We are neither a fearful nor broken people. We may be wounded. But all wounds heal. So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will not forget,” he declared.
While acknowledging the finality of the Supreme Court’s decision, Ighodalo stressed that he does not believe justice was served.
“I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to Justice,” he added.
Bottom Line
The Supreme Court verdict may have sealed the governorship dispute, but it has also left a bitter taste for many PDP supporters. Ighodalo’s rejection of the judgment is already stirring heated discussions across Edo State.
His words have clearly resonated with his followers, many of whom feel that their votes were disregarded.
