…Heads to Appeal Court, Insists Ighodalo Won Poll
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which declared Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Describing the ruling as a violation of judicial impartiality, the PDP announced its decision to challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal, where it expects a conscientious judicial review to restore what it calls the true mandate of the people of Edo State.
PDP Alleges Miscarriage of Justice
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the PDP asserted that the tribunal’s verdict betrayed public trust and constituted a miscarriage of justice.
> “With the avalanche of evidence properly presented and duly admitted by the Tribunal, it is clear that our candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the Edo State governorship election, having scored the highest number of valid votes cast,” the statement read.
The party expressed concern that despite the tribunal acknowledging instances of vote manipulation, wrongful allocation of votes to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and arbitrary cancellations of PDP votes, it still ruled against the PDP.
> “It is disturbing that despite overwhelming evidence, the Tribunal contradicted itself by arriving at a conclusion that does not align with its own findings.”
Threat to Democracy and the Rule of Law
The PDP warned that the judgment poses a significant threat to public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and electoral adjudication process.
> “Democracy can only thrive when the rule of law is upheld, and tribunals apply legal principles impartially. A judgment like this erodes trust in the judicial system and democracy itself.”
Despite this, the party reaffirmed its belief in the judiciary, expressing confidence that the Court of Appeal would deliver justice in line with the evidence presented.
Call for Calm, Confidence in the Judiciary
The PDP urged the people of Edo State to remain resolute and patient, assuring them that justice would prevail.
> “We call on Edo people to remain steadfast and not allow this tribunal ruling to shake their confidence in democracy. The mandate they freely gave to Dr. Asue Ighodalo will be restored.”
As the legal battle moves to the Court of Appeal, the political landscape in Edo State remains tense, with both parties gearing up for the next phase of the electoral dispute.
