Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Edo State’s 21 September 2024 governorship election, has expressed deep disappointment over the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold Senator Monday Okpebholo’s election as governor.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ighodalo assured supporters that his legal team would continue to challenge the outcome, insisting that justice must prevail.
Addressing the people of Edo State, he said: “My dear good people of Edo, today, the Court of Appeal ruled on our petition against the declared results of the 21 September governorship election.
As with the judgment of the tribunal, we have received this decision with deep disappointment, but also with unwavering resolve to continue our pursuit of 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.
Ighodalo stressed that his legal challenge was never driven by personal ambition, but rather by a duty to stand with the people of Edo State.
He condemned what he described as a brazen subversion of democracy on 21 September 2024, arguing that both the Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal had, in the name of the law, disregarded the will of the people.
He said, “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 of Nigeria 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 practised 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.
“To all our supporters, I urge you once more to remain peaceful, vigilant and steadfast. This is not the end. It is simply the next chapter in our collective struggle for truth, justice, and a bright future for our dear Edo State.
“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.”
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