Ighodalo rejects Edo tribunal’s verdict, heads to Appeal Court

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, says he will challenge the tribunal’s judement at the Court of Appeal.

The Edo election tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, reaffirmed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory and dismissed the petitions filed by the PDP and Ighodalo.

Ighodalo, in a statement on Wednesday, said his decision to challenge the judgement aimed to protect Edo people’s collective rights and ensure they freely determine their future.

He said: “Today (Wednesday), the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal delivered its judgement on our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, election in our dear state.

“While we may not all agree with the verdict, we remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must continue as democracy’s foundational bedrock.

“Our pursuit of justice affirms our firm belief that Edo people’s right to freely choose their leaders through credible, free, and fair elections must always prevail.

“As a committed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man and urge all Edo people to remain peaceful, calm, and law-abiding.”

Tribunal affirms Okpebholo as Edo governor

Ighodalo said this was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate.

Ighodalo commended the people for their massive support, love, and belief in their shared vision for a prosperous Edo State, which he said had fuelled their journey.

Ighodalo added: “For us, this has never been about personal ambition but about our conviction to create a clear ‘Pathway to Prosperity’ for Edo while upholding democracy’s core values.

“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a serious miscarriage of justice.

“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about democracy’s essence, our collective right to determine our future, and our legacy for generations unborn.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. We shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.”

The Star