Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has vowed to challenge the recent tribunal ruling that upheld Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, citing insufficient evidence to prove claims of over-voting.
“I have instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice,” Ighodalo said in a statement.
He further emphasized the importance of democracy, asserting, “This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy and the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future.”
The tribunal’s judgment dismissed the PDP’s case, stating the petitioners failed to prove their allegations with credible evidence, particularly in relation to the controversial use of BVAS machines and ballot irregularities. “The machines were not demonstrated to prove the allegations of over-voting,” said Justice Kpochi.
Despite the setback, Ighodalo and his supporters remain determined. “Our pursuit of justice is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders must never be compromised,” Ighodalo added.
Governor Okpebholo, on the other hand, welcomed the ruling, dedicating his victory to God and the people of Edo State.
“This victory belongs to God and to every Edo citizen who believes in our collective vision for a better, more prosperous state,” Okpebholo said in response to the judgment.
Ighodalo’s campaign director, Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, also rejected the tribunal’s ruling, labeling it “a miscarriage of justice” and reaffirming the intention to continue with the legal challenge.