The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has faulted the Supreme Court verdict, describing it as a ‘deliberate and coordinated robbery.’
He argued that the governorship election was rigged in favour of the APC and Okpebholo
Ighodalo said, “Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy. You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity. And now we are told your voice does not matter … I feel your pain, I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage.
“We are neither a fearful nor broken people. We may be wounded. But all wounds heal. So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will not forget.”
He noted that while he accepted the finality of the Supreme Court judgment, “I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to Justice.”
Supreme Court verdict between Ighodalo and Okpebholo
The Supreme Court upheld the election victory of Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2024 governorship election.
This paper reported that delivering judgment on Thursday, a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba Lawal ruled that the appellants failed to substantiate their allegations of electoral malpractice, unlawful voting, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
“The appeal lacks merit and is hereby dismissed,” the court declared, reinforcing the earlier decisions of both the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal.
The judgment comes nearly a year after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo the winner of the September 2024 gubernatorial election. He secured 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo of the PDP, who polled 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, the PDP and Ighodalo filed a petition challenging the election results, citing widespread irregularities and calling for the results to be nullified. However, in April 2025, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to prove their case.
An appeal to the Court of Appeal also met the same fate, with the appellate court dismissing the case for want of merit. The matter then proceeded to the Supreme Court, which has now affirmed the rulings of the lower courts.
Okpebholo Calls for unity
Okpebholo has extended an olive branch to his political rivals, calling for collaboration in the interest of the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said, “In the true spirit of statesmanship, Governor Okpebholo extends a sincere olive branch to all his opponents and members of the opposition.”
He emphasised that while the legal battle may have ended in his favour, the victory belongs to the entire people of Edo State, not just his supporters.
“This is not a personal win; it’s a collective triumph for every citizen of Edo, regardless of political, ethnic, or religious affiliation. The time has come to put differences aside and work together to build a stronger, more united state,” the statement read.
He urged political leaders across party lines to join him in the task of governance, emphasising the need for healing and collaboration. “Let this verdict usher in a new era of unity, open dialogue, and meaningful development,” the statement concluded.
Despite the finality of the court’s decision, Asue Ighodalo has publicly expressed his disappointment, calling the ruling a “deep sense of betrayal.”
