The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial poll in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo has instructed his legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge the ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in favour of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
In a message he averred: “Today, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its judgment in our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in our dear state.
“While we all may not agree with the verdict, we however remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy.
“Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised.
“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.
Read also: Gov. Okpebholo extends olive branch to Ighodalo as tribunal affirms his election
“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, Osarodion Ogie and I on the platform of our great party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”
Going further he stressed, “from the very beginning, your massive show of support, sincere love and belief in our shared vision for a prosperous Edo State have been the driving force behind this journey.
“For us, it has never been about the realisation of a personal ambition but about our 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.
“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.
“We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.”
