The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo, Asue Ighodalo, has openly rejected the Supreme Court’s judgment validating the September 2024 election outcome.
In a statement released Thursday, Ighodalo said while he accepts the finality of the court’s verdict, he cannot pretend the judgment amounts to justice.
He described the election as a “coordinated and deliberate robbery” now tragically validated by the country’s highest judicial body.
Ighodalo expressed deep disappointment, accusing institutions entrusted with protecting democracy of betraying the people’s will.
“You came out in hope. You voted for competence, progress, and prosperity. But your voice was silenced,” he stated.
Addressing Edo residents directly, he said he shares in their pain and will never forget the courage they displayed.
“To every youth who believed this was the start of a new Edo, I say: we found each other.”
According to him, although his team didn’t win office, they gained something more powerful—unity and shared purpose.
He promised to remain committed to fighting for a better Edo, saying the state would soon feel the cost of “illegitimacy.”
“Without real leadership, Edo will suffer from poor governance, bad policies, and rising hardship,” Ighodalo warned.
He also told supporters that, despite the setback, they must not retreat, must not be silenced, and must never forget.
To Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ighodalo advised humility and a conscience-driven administration.
“Govern well. History sees what the courts may not. One day, it will deliver its own final verdict,” he said.
