The Chairman of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi, has described the recent ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal as a temporary setback, urging party members to remain steadfast as the legal battle continues.
Aziegbemi, in a statement on Thursday, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to pursuing all legal avenues to ensure what he described as the true mandate of the Edo people is upheld. His remarks came in response to the tribunal’s judgment, which upheld the election victory of Governor Monday Okpehbolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had on Wednesday dismissed the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, on the grounds that the petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence to support allegations of over-voting. The panel ruled that Okpehbolo lawfully secured the highest number of valid votes in the September 21, 2024, election and affirmed his victory.
Despite the tribunal’s decision, Aziegbemi insisted that the PDP remains convinced that Ighodalo was the true winner of the election. He expressed the party’s dissatisfaction with the ruling but maintained respect for the judiciary.
“The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its ruling on our petition challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. While we continue to hold the judiciary in the highest esteem and respect the decision of the tribunal, we strongly disagree with the verdict,” Aziegbemi stated.
He further argued that the PDP had presented a solid case before the tribunal, proving beyond doubt that Ighodalo won the election. He reassured party supporters that the battle was far from over, as the party would immediately proceed to the appellate courts to challenge the ruling.
“This ruling is nothing but a temporary setback. We call on all our members and supporters to remain resolute and undeterred as we move to the next stage of our legal struggle. We firmly believe in the rule of law and the triumph of truth over falsehood. Our legal team is already reviewing the details of the judgment, and we will be taking all necessary steps to reclaim the mandate freely given to Asuerinme Ighodalo by the people of Edo State,” he added.
Aziegbemi also called for calm among party faithful, assuring them that the PDP remains determined to restore what he described as the people’s will through legitimate and democratic means. As the political landscape in Edo State continues to evolve, all eyes are now on the appellate courts, where the next phase of the legal contest will unfold.
