The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja today dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election.
The appellate court affirmed the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ruling that the petition lacked merit and failed to sufficiently prove the allegations of widespread electoral irregularities and violations of the Electoral Act.
The judgment, which mirrored the earlier decision of the election tribunal, effectively struck out all claims made by the PDP and its candidate.
Reacting to the ruling, Dr. Ighodalo issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep disappointment but reaffirming his commitment to pursuing justice on behalf of the people of Edo State.
In the statement titled “Statement on the Court of Appeal Judgment in the Edo Governorship Election Petition”, Ighodalo said:“ 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.
“While we acknowledge the Court’s pronouncement, we believe that this judgment, like that of the Tribunal before it, failed to address the grave concerns we raised regarding widespread acts of non-compliance with, and clear violations of the Electoral Act.
“These decisions appear, worryingly, to validate a dangerous pattern of electoral impunity that strikes at the very heart of our democracy and continues to erode public confidence in our electoral process.”
Dr. Ighodalo stated that the case was not about personal ambition but about defending the people’s right to choose their leaders freely and fairly.
“That right was brazenly subverted on September 21st, 2024,” he said. “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.”
Declaring his intention to proceed to the Supreme Court, the PDP candidate said his team is preparing to challenge the appellate court’s decision.
“I have therefore instructed my legal team to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria to seek redress,” he stated.
“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 practiced to yield a great country.”
He further appealed to the apex court to consider not just the technicalities of the law, but the broader implications for democracy, justice, and public trust.
“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 also used the opportunity to call on his supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast in the face of adversity.
“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,” he declared.
