Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s candidate for Edo State’s 2024 gubernatorial election, has responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the election of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The ruling of the Supreme Court on Thursday upheld Okpebholo’s victory, and PDP candidate Ighodalo claimed that it was a betrayal of institutions tasked with defending democracy as well as those who allegedly rigged the election.
“The Supreme Court has made a decision today,” he stated. I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered constitutes justice, even though I acknowledge the finality of its decision. There was no contest in the governorship election held in September 2024. “While I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear speaking truth to power.” It was a planned, intentional robbery that has now been cruelly affirmed by the nation’s highest court.
I have the same intense sense of betrayal as you do. not only by those who manipulated the outcome, but also by the very organizations we relied on to defend our democracy. You were hopeful when you left. We now hear that your voice is inconsequential and that your freely granted mandate can be violated without repercussions, despite the fact that you voted for competence, growth, and prosperity. I understand how you’re hurt. I will always remember your bravery and I share your indignation. To every young person who witnessed the birth of a new Edo in this moment.
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To every senior who wished for the restoration of our state. To all the women and men who prayed, ran for office, and cast ballots. Even if we didn’t win the job, we still won something bigger. We discovered each other. We realized our strength as a group. Even though this terrible chapter comes to an end today, our lovely tale continues. The battle to restore our cherished state’s soul is still ongoing.
Yes, there may be gloomy times ahead. Sadly, the consequences of this illegitimacy will reverberate outside the Supreme Court’s walls. I’m afraid Edo will sense it in the everyday misery of her people, the lack of leadership, and the squalor of policy. However, we are neither broken nor afraid. We’re hurt. But every wound gets better. So let’s make this our commitment. We refuse to back down. We will not be quieted. Moreover, we shall always remember. Lead with humility and govern with conscience those who currently have undeserved power. The courts might not perceive what history does. And one day it will render its own judgment.
