The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, says he is heading to the Court of Appeal to challenge the Edo State tribunal verdict which affirmed Monday Okpebholo as governor.
Ighodalo said this in a statement a few hours after the verdict on Wednesday.
”I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice.
”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,” he said.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that a three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, struck out Ighodalo’s petition due to a lack of merit and the failure to present competent witnesses to substantiate the claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The PDP candidate urged his supporters and other party faithful to keep the peace and seek the rule of law in their fight for justice.
”As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement.
”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 are on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party, PDP,” he added.
According to him, from the very beginning, their massive show of support, sincere love and belief in their shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind the journey.
He added that for them, it has never been about the realisation of a personal ambition but about their conviction to create a clear Pathway to Prosperity for all Edo People while upholding the foundational values of democracy, justice, and the will of the people.
Ighodalo stressed that they remain resolute, committed and would not waver in their pursuit of truth and justice.