The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 Edo State election, Asue Ighodalo, has rejected the tribunal’s ruling that upheld Monday Okpebholo’s victory and has vowed to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ighodalo described the tribunal’s decision as a “travesty of justice” and reaffirmed his commitment to seeking redress.
“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice,” he stated.
Emphasizing that his appeal is not about personal ambition, Ighodalo said the case is about protecting democracy and the right of Edo people to determine their future.
“This 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 added.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed Ighodalo’s petition due to a lack of merit and insufficient evidence to prove non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Despite the setback, Ighodalo urged his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that the legal battle was far from over.
“As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm, and law-abiding in the aftermath of this judgment,” he said.
He further stated that his resolve to fight for justice remains unwavering, emphasizing that his campaign was always about the greater good of Edo State, not personal ambition.
With his appeal set to proceed, political analysts predict that the case could shape the future of electoral disputes in Nigeria, adding another chapter to the ongoing political contest in Edo State.