PDP’s Ighodalo Condemns Supreme Court Judgment, Calls Edo Guber Election “Validated Robbery”

Abuja, Nigeria – Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State’s September 2024 election, has strongly criticized the Supreme Court’s judgment upholding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory, labeling it a “deep betrayal” of democracy.

A Controversial Verdict

In a strongly-worded statement personally signed on Thursday in Abuja, Ighodalo expressed his dismay at the apex court’s decision. While acknowledging the finality of the judgment, he insisted it failed to deliver justice.

“I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice,”

The PDP flagbearer described the electoral process as anything but fair, characterizing it as a “coordinated robbery” that has now received judicial validation from Nigeria’s highest court.

Institutional Betrayal

Ighodalo’s statement struck a somber tone about the state of Nigeria’s democratic institutions:

“The election was not a contest but a robbery coordinated, deliberate and now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land.”

While affirming his respect for judicial authority, the politician made clear he wouldn’t remain silent about what he perceives as a miscarriage of justice.

Message to Supporters

The former candidate addressed his supporters directly, acknowledging their disappointment and shared sense of betrayal:

“Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy.”

He particularly emphasized the disenfranchisement felt by voters who participated in the electoral process:

“You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity and now, we are told that your voice does not matter… that your freely given mandate can be trampled without consequence.”

Looking Forward

Despite the setback, Ighodalo concluded his statement on a note of solidarity with his supporters:

“I feel your pain. I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage.”

The statement has sparked renewed debate about electoral integrity in Nigeria, coming just months after the controversial gubernatorial election in Edo State.

Full credit to the original publisher: InformationNG