The Edo State governorship election petition tribunal’s recent judgment on Ighodalo has sparked controversy, with the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) labeling it a “travesty of justice”.
The party claims the tribunal ignored overwhelming evidence and twisted the law to protect a rigged process. PDP’s
governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has instructed his legal team to appeal the decision, citing the judiciary as the
last hope of the common man.
The tribunal dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, stating it lacked merit and competent witnesses to substantiate claims of
non-compliance with the Electoral Act. However, Ighodalo remains resolute, emphasizing that the legal battle is far from over.
The PDP accuses the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of rigging the election in favor of the All
Progressives Congress (APC) by failing to comply with its guidelines and collating manipulated results. They claim
Ighodalo scored the majority of lawful votes and should have been declared the winner.
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Organizations like Yiaga Africa and the Foundation for Investigative Journalism have reported serious lapses in the
collation process and described the election as “rigged for the APC by design”. The PDP is confident that the appellate court will see the truth and uphold the people’s mandate.
Ighodalo has called on his supporters to remain peaceful and law-abiding, assuring them that he will continue to fight for justice. The PDP is determined to challenge the tribunal’s decision and reclaim the mandate of the Edo people.
Asue Ighodalo said, “This is not about me or any single individual; it’s 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.”
Tony Aziegbemi said, “We are proceeding to the Court of Appeal with the facts, the law, and the will of the Edo people firmly on our side.” The PDP is confident that the appellate court will see the truth and uphold the people’s mandate.
The party’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, remains resolute, emphasizing that the legal battle is far from over. The PDP accuses INEC of rigging the election in favor of the APC.
