The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the September 2024 Edo State election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, has expressed deep disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling which upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a statement personally signed in Abuja on Thursday, shortly after the apex court’s decision, Ighodalo said he feels a strong sense of betrayal, not just by those who allegedly manipulated the election, but also by the judicial system.
“While I accept the finality of the Supreme Court judgment, I cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice,” he stated.
He described the election as “a robbery” that was “coordinated, deliberate, and now tragically validated by the highest court in the land.”
Ighodalo, a lawyer and businessman, said he will not obstruct the judgment but would continue to speak truth to power. “You came out in hope. You voted for competence, progress, and prosperity. Now we are told your voice does not matter,” he told his supporters.
He added that the ruling undermines trust in the country’s democratic institutions and accused the system of allowing the people’s will to be trampled without consequences.
The Supreme Court earlier on Thursday dismissed Ighodalo’s appeal, citing lack of credible evidence to prove his claims of irregularities, including over-voting and non-compliance with electoral laws.
Despite the setback, Ighodalo thanked his supporters for their courage and assured them that their efforts would not be forgotten.