………As Ighodalo heads to Appeal Court.
Tunde Omoniyi
The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has reached out to his Peoples Democratic Party counterpart, Asue Ighodalo, shortly after the state tribunal affirmed him as the governor of the state, asking that they put their political differences aside.
”The Governor calls upon all citizens, including the opposition and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, to join hands in the spirit of unity and work together for the progress of Edo State,” Okpebholo said.
”It is time to put aside partisan differences and focus on the common goal of building a better future for our State.”
It will be recalled that a three-member panel headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
In its judgment, the panel ruled that the petitioners failed to call competent witnesses to prove the allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
In response to the judgment, Governor Okpebholo, in a signed statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, thanked the indigenes of the state for their unwavering support.
“This victory is not mine alone, but a victory for every citizen and resident of Edo State. It is a mandate to continue the work we have started, to build a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
“We remain committed to our promise of good governance, transparency, and inclusive development.”
”The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo remains focused on delivering on its campaign promises and will not be distracted by frivolous litigation.
“The administration is committed to serving the people of Edo State with dedication and integrity.”he submitted
Meanwhile the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, says he is heading to the Court of Appeal to challenge the Edo State tribunal verdict affirming Monday Okpebholo as governor.
”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,” a statement read hours after the verdict.
A three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed Ighodalo’s petition due to a lack of merit and the failure to present competent witnesses to substantiate the claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
Ighodalo called on supporters and other party faithful to keep the peace and seek the rule of law in their fight for justice.
”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.”
”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, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I are on the platform of our great Party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”
”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”
Ighodalo also said ”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.”
”We remain resolute. We remain committed. And we shall not waver in our pursuit of truth and justice.”
