Asue Ighodalo, gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2024 election, has reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgment, affirming Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the election, describing the verdict as a validation of robbery.

In a statement shortly after the Supreme Court ruled on the matter on Thursday, Mr Ighodalo said, “Though I accept the finality of its judgment, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice. What happened in the September 2024 Governorship Election was not a contest. It was a robbery. Coordinated. Deliberate.

“And now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land. While I will not and can not obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear to speak truth to power.”

Addressing his supporters in Edo, Mr Ighodalo expressed disappointment in state institutions that failed to protect democratic tenets by ensuring the votes of the people count.

The aggrieved politician added, “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. 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.”

Mr Ighodalo explained that though “this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end”.

The PDP’s former gubernatorial candidate insisted that “the struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues”.

“Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will, unfortunately, echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court,” stated Mr Ighodalo. “I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people.”

On Thursday, the Supreme Court affirmed Mr Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo, dismissing Mr. Ighodalo’s petition against the election.

Justice Garba Lawal, who delivered the judgment, dismissed the appeal for want of merit.