People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo, who is running for Edo State governor in 2024, has responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the election of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The PDP candidate, Ighodalo, said that the people who allegedly rigged the election as well as the institutions tasked with defending democracy had betrayed him. The Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday upheld Okpebholo’s victory.
He declared, “The Supreme Court has made a decision today. I acknowledge that the ruling is definitive, but I cannot and will not act as though the justice served is sufficient. The governorship election in September 2024 was not a contest. It was a planned, intentional heist that has now, regrettably, been approved by the nation’s highest court. “I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, but I must never fear speaking truth to power,” the attorney said. Just like you, I’m deeply betrayed.
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The very institutions we trusted to defend our democracy were also responsible for the process’s tampering. You emerged hoping. Your voice is ignored, and your freely granted mandate can be violated without repercussions, despite the fact that you voted for competence, advancement, and prosperity. I can feel your suffering. I understand how angry you are, and I will always admire your bravery. To every youth who witnessed the birth of a new Edo in this moment. To every elder who hoped that our state might once again flourish. To every man and woman who voted, prayed, and participated in campaigns. Even though we did not win the office, we did win something more significant. We came across each other.
We learned to be stronger as a group. Today marks the conclusion of this difficult chapter, but our lovely tale is far from over. We are still engaged in the fight to restore our beloved state’s soul.
“Yes, there may be gloomy days ahead. Unfortunately, the impact of this illegitimacy will be seen outside of the Supreme Court’s walls. Edo will feel it, I fear, in the everyday pain of her people, in the lack of leadership, and in the paucity of policy.
However, neither dread nor brokenness characterize us. We might suffer injuries. However, all wounds recover. Let us make this our commitment. We’re not going to back off. We won’t be kept quiet. Additionally, we shall always remember. To those in positions of power that are unmerited, exercise humility and govern with integrity. Unlike the courts, history sees. Eventually, it will render its own judgment.
