Edo PDP Apologises to Members Over Inability to Reclaim Governorship Mandate

The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has tendered an apology to party members and supporters for its failure to reclaim the September 2024 governorship mandate through the courts.

Chairman of the PDP State Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday in Benin City.

The meeting was attended by the party’s 2024 governorship candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, members of the caretaker committee, and leaders from the state’s three senatorial districts.

In his opening remarks, Aziegbemi expressed gratitude to members for their unwavering support throughout the electoral process and the subsequent legal efforts to challenge the declared victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We are here to report to you. Please, forgive us, Edo people, for not being able to retrieve your mandate,” Aziegbemi said. “We fought and tried everything within our power, but we couldn’t overcome the collusion between the presidency, the Federal Government, INEC, security agencies, and now, the judiciary.”

He said the party’s candidate, deputy candidate, and leadership made every legal effort possible but were ultimately defeated by forces beyond their control. He described the Supreme Court’s ruling as “the last bus stop,” adding that the chapter had been closed and the party must now move forward.

Aziegbemi further alleged that some APC leaders had initially congratulated him on the party’s perceived win on election day, based on real-time results on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

“By 8:30 p.m. on that September 21, 2024, APC leaders were calling to congratulate me because they saw what all of us were seeing on the IReV. Then the manipulation began around 9 p.m.,” he said.

He reiterated the PDP’s stance that the mandate was stolen, but emphasised that the party chose to pursue justice through legal channels in accordance with the rule of law.

“We want to thank all members for staying the course, for being steadfast, and for not abandoning us—even up to last Thursday when that travesty of justice was handed down,” Aziegbemi added. “Edo people know who they voted for. They know that Dr Asue Ighodalo is the elected governor of Edo State.”

In his address, Dr Asue Ighodalo praised party members and the electorate for their support and belief in his candidacy. He described the electoral outcome as a temporary setback and called on supporters to remain hopeful.

“I thank the people of Edo State who voted for me, who understood what they wanted in government, but were forced to accept less than that,” Ighodalo stated.

“My message is this—worry not, fear not. Be courageous. This is only temporary. What God has ordained will surely come to pass, and He knows the appropriate time.”

The meeting ended with renewed calls for unity within the party and a collective resolve to continue championing the democratic aspirations of Edo people.