Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has announced his decision to challenge the recent verdict of the state’s Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the election. Ighodalo’s legal team is set to take the matter to the Court of Appeal, claiming that the tribunal’s judgment was a miscarriage of justice.
In a statement issued hours after the tribunal’s ruling, Ighodalo expressed disappointment with the decision, but reaffirmed his commitment to the pursuit of justice, democracy, and the right of the people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders. He stated that the appeal is not only for his personal interest but for the preservation of democracy in the state and the future of its people.
The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, which heard Ighodalo’s case, was led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi. The panel dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, ruling that it lacked merit. The tribunal determined that Ighodalo failed to present sufficient evidence and competent witnesses to support his claims that there were irregularities in the election process and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The PDP candidate had sought to prove that Okpebholo’s victory in the election was marred by electoral malpractices and legal violations. However, the tribunal found that the evidence provided was not convincing enough to overturn the result of the election, thereby upholding Okpebholo’s victory.
Ighodalo’s petition specifically claimed that the election was flawed due to irregularities such as improper conduct at the polling stations and issues with the transparency of the electoral process. Despite these allegations, the tribunal ruled in favor of the incumbent governor, Okpebholo, confirming his election win.
Reacting to the tribunal’s judgment, Ighodalo stated that he was disappointed but resolute in his belief that the ruling was unjust. He criticized the tribunal’s decision, describing it as a “huge travesty of justice.” He emphasized that the fight was not just about him, but about the future of democracy in Edo State and the rights of its citizens to choose their leaders through a credible, transparent, and fair election process.
“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision,” Ighodalo said in his statement. “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.”
Ighodalo called for calm and peace among his supporters, urging them to continue to pursue justice through lawful means. He also acknowledged the judicial system as the “last hope of the common man” and encouraged his followers to remain peaceful despite their disagreement with the verdict.
“While we all may not agree with the verdict, we remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy,” he said. “Our pursuit of justice in this regard 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.”
Throughout the campaign, Ighodalo emphasized his vision for a prosperous Edo State, focusing on creating a clear pathway to prosperity for all citizens while upholding the principles of democracy and justice. He reiterated that his candidacy was never about personal ambition but about fostering positive change and development for the people of Edo State.
“From the very beginning, your massive show of support, sincere love, and belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind this journey,” Ighodalo said. “For us, it has never been about the realization of a personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear Pathway to Prosperity for all Edo People while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people.”
Ighodalo’s statement also highlighted the importance of preserving democratic values and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard and respected. He thanked his supporters for their unwavering loyalty and promised that the fight for justice would continue, despite the tribunal’s decision.
Ighodalo’s decision to take the case to the Court of Appeal reflects his determination to exhaust all legal options available to him. The appeal process could potentially delay the final resolution of the governorship election dispute, but it also underscores the importance of ensuring that every citizen’s right to a fair election is protected.
The Court of Appeal will now have the opportunity to review the tribunal’s decision and the evidence presented during the trial. If the appellate court rules in favor of Ighodalo, the election result could be overturned, potentially leading to a new election or a reevaluation of the previous result. However, if the appeal is dismissed, Okpebholo’s victory will be affirmed, and Ighodalo’s political future could be significantly impacted.
The ongoing legal battle is likely to have significant political implications for both Ighodalo and Okpebholo. As the candidate of the PDP, Ighodalo’s challenge to the tribunal’s ruling could rally his supporters and increase the party’s visibility ahead of future elections. However, if Ighodalo’s appeal is unsuccessful, it could diminish his political standing and impact the PDP’s prospects in the state.
On the other hand, Okpebholo’s victory is a major boost for the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo State. If the appeal does not succeed, Okpebholo will retain his position as governor, solidifying his influence in the state’s political landscape.
The public response to the case has been mixed, with many supporters of Ighodalo expressing frustration over the tribunal’s verdict. However, Ighodalo’s call for peaceful protests and respect for the rule of law has helped to temper the response, ensuring that his supporters focus on legal channels to pursue justice.
