‘Injustice’ll be challenged’: Ighodalo heads to Supreme Court over Edo election results

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, says he would not allow injustice to go unchallenged.

Ighodalo stated this in a statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025, in reaction to the Court of Appeal’s judgement which affirmed the electoral victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The PDP candidate stated: “My good people of Edo State, today (Thursday), the Court of Appeal delivered its judgment on our petition challenging the declared outcome of the September 21st, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.

“As with the judgment of the tribunal, we have received this decision with deep disappointment, but also with unwavering resolve to continue our pursuit of justice.

“As democrats and patriots, we remain anchored in our belief in the rule of law.

“But we cannot, and will not, allow injustice to go unchallenged.

“I have therefore instructed my legal team to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria to seek redress.

“We do so for every voter who queued patiently with hope in their hearts, for every young person who dreams of a better Edo State, and for every Nigerian who still believes that democracy must be well practised to yield a great country.

“The Supreme Court now bears a profound responsibility, not only to interpret the law and apply same to available facts, but to defend the democratic principles that give the law its meaning.

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“We approach the apex court with full confidence in its integrity, its independence, and its role as the final guardian of justice in our republic.

“We believe their Lordships will consider not just the letter of the law, but the greater implications for democracy, justice, and public trust.

“The eyes of Edo people, and indeed all Nigerians, now look up to the Supreme Court with hope.”

Ighodalo said though he acknowledged the court’s pronouncement, he believed that the judgement, like that of the tribunal, “failed to address the grave concerns we raised regarding widespread acts of non-compliance with, and clear violations of the Electoral Act.”

Ighodalo added: “Our struggle has never been about personal ambition.

“It has always been about standing with the people of Edo State and defending their sacred right to freely choose their leaders through a credible, transparent, and fair election.

“That right was brazenly subverted on September 21, 2024.

“The decisions of both the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, though rendered in the name of the law, in effect ignore the will of the people and reward blatant electoral irregularities.”

Ighodalo, however, urged all his supporters to remain peaceful, vigilant, and steadfast.

He said: “This is not the end. It is simply the next chapter in our collective struggle for truth, justice, and a bright future for our dear Edo State.

“We remain resolute. We remain committed. We remain undaunted.

“And we shall not rest until the voices of our people are heard and their stolen mandate restored.”

The Star