Edo State, Nigeria – The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its judgment on the petition challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Reacting to the verdict, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, expressed his dissatisfaction with the ruling but reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the rule of law and democracy.
“While we may not all 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 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,” Ighodalo stated.
Emphasizing his respect for the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, he urged Edo residents to remain peaceful, calm, and law-abiding in the aftermath of the judgment. However, he made it clear that the legal battle was far from over.
“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, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and me on the platform of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP),” he said.
Ighodalo commended the overwhelming support of Edo citizens, stating that his political journey was driven not by personal ambition but by a deep commitment to ensuring prosperity and justice for all. He reiterated his stance on democracy and the people’s right to choose their leaders.
Consequently, he has instructed his legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge what he described as 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 unborn,” he affirmed.
Ighodalo assured his supporters that he remains resolute and committed to seeking justice.
“Long live Edo State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he concluded.
