EDO 2024: PDP’s Ighodalo Heads to Appeal Court, Rejects Tribunal Verdict Affirming Okpebholo’s Victory

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the 2024 Edo State election, Asue Ighodalo, has vowed to challenge the verdict of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal at the Court of Appeal.

The tribunal on Wednesday dismissed Ighodalo’s petition and upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the petition lacked merit and failed to present competent witnesses to substantiate claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

Reacting in a statement shortly after the judgment, Ighodalo described the decision as a “huge travesty of justice” and confirmed he had instructed his legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal.

“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 stated.

He urged his supporters and PDP faithful to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding, adding that the struggle for justice and the protection of the people’s mandate had only just begun.

“As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man,” he said. “However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, and I, on the platform of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Ighodalo reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, stressing that his candidacy was not driven by personal ambition but by a shared vision for a prosperous Edo State.

“We remain resolute, committed and will not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice,” he declared.