Asue Ighodalo and Monday Okpebholo

* Okpebholo urges him to accept court judgement

By Jethro Ibileke

Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has rejected the judgment of the Appeal Court, which upheld the verdict of the state election petition tribunal.

The tribunal had earlier upheld the result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declared Senator Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), winner of the election.

The three-man panel of the appellate court on Thursday dismissed the appeal filed by Ighodalo and his party, the PDP.

Reacting to the judgment in a statement Thursday night, he signed, Ighodalo, who expressed disappointment and rejection of the judgment, announced his unwavering resolve to continue to pursue justice.

The statement said in part:
“While we acknowledge the Court’s pronouncement, we believe that this judgment, like that of the Tribunal before it, failed to address the grave concerns we raised regarding widespread acts of non-compliance with, and clear violations of, the Electoral Act.

“These decisions appear, worryingly, to validate a dangerous pattern of electoral impunity that strikes at the very heart of our democracy and continues to erode public confidence in our electoral process.

“Our struggle has never been about personal ambition. It has always been about standing with the people of Edo State and defending their sacred right to freely choose their leaders through a credible, transparent and fair election. That right was brazenly subverted on September 21st, 2024. The decisions of both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, though rendered in the name of the law, in effect ignore the will of the people and reward blatant electoral irregularities.

“As democrats and patriots, we remain anchored in our belief in the rule of law. But we cannot, and will not, allow injustice to go unchallenged. I have therefore instructed my legal team to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria to seek redress. We do so for every voter who queued patiently with hope in their hearts, for every young person who dreams of a better Edo State, and for every Nigerian who still believes that democracy must be well practised to yield a great country.

“The Supreme Court now bears a profound responsibility, not only to interpret the law and apply same to available facts, but to defend the democratic principles that give the law its meaning. We approach the apex court with full confidence in its integrity, its independence, and its role as the final guardian of justice in our republic. We believe their Lordships will consider not just the letter of the law, but the greater implications for democracy, justice, and public trust. The eyes of Edo people, and indeed all Nigerians, now look up to the Supreme Court with hope.”

The PDP candidate urged his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant and steadfast, noting that the judgment is not the end yet.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. We remain undaunted. And we shall not rest until the voices of our people are heard and their stolen mandate restored,” he concluded.

Accept court judgement, Okpebholo urges Ighodalo

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has called on Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the State, to accept the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which affirmed his victory in the election.

He called on the PDP candidate to set aside partisan differences and join hands with the administration to build a more prosperous Edo.

Okpebholo, who urged the opposition to reflect on the judgment, noted that prolonged litigation only serves to distract from the urgent task of governance and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.

According to him, “Now is the time to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship and statesmanship. The legal process has run its course, and the judgment of the Court of Appeal is clear.”

The Governor also commended the judiciary for its diligence and commitment to justice, and for once again demonstrating its role as the last hope of the common man.

“This ruling is not just a victory for our party, the ruling All Progressives Congress, but a triumph for democracy and the rule of law in our Edo State,” he said.

Governor Okpebholo urged all well-meaning citizens to remain calm and continue with their lawful activities, adding that he is re-energised by the affirmation of his mandate and will continue to work tirelessly to serve the best interests of every resident of the State.