The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the September 2024 Edo election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, has expressed profound disappointment over the Supreme Court’s verdict affirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory.
In a personally signed statement released on Thursday, Ighodalo described the ruling as a betrayal, stating that while he respects the court’s authority, the judgment, in his view, does not represent justice.
“Today, the Supreme Court has ruled. What occurred in the September election was not a contest, it was a robbery. Coordinated, deliberate, and now tragically upheld by our nation’s highest court,” he stated.
Ighodalo criticized the electoral process and lamented what he described as a failure of the institutions meant to safeguard democracy. “Like many of you, I feel betrayed, not only by those who manipulated the process, but also by the very institutions we relied on to protect our collective will,” he said.
Despite the court’s decision, Ighodalo praised the people of Edo for their courage and commitment to change. “Though we did not win the office, we won something far more meaningful—unity, strength, and a shared vision for a better Edo,” he said, pledging to continue advocating for the state’s progress.
He also warned that the consequences of what he termed an “illegitimate mandate” may be felt in governance and policy direction, but urged citizens not to give up hope. “We are not a broken people. Though wounded, we will heal. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced,” he affirmed.
Addressing the declared winner, Governor Okpebholo, Ighodalo called for responsible and conscience-led leadership. “To those now in power, lead with humility. History will one day render its own verdict, even where the courts may not,” he concluded.
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