FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has rejected the judgement 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, as winner of the election.
The three-man panel of the Appellate Court had on Thursday dismissed the appeal filled by Ighodalo and his party, the PDP.
Reacting to the judgement in a statement on Thursday night, Ighodalo, who expressed disappointment, announced his unwavering resolve to continue to pursue justice.
“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 21, 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 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 practiced 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,” he said.
The PDP candidate urged his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant and steadfast, noting that the judgement 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.
