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Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the recent Edo State governorship election, has alleged that his mandate was stolen by forces opposed to the welfare of the state. This assertion follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) announcement declaring Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
In the election held on September 21, 2024, Okpebholo received 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes. The Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,763 votes.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ighodalo expressed gratitude to his supporters and the people of Edo State for their resilience during the election. He remarked, “First, in all things, we must give thanks to God. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has stood by us on this incredible journey.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced by voters, including intimidation and harassment, stating, “You are the true heroes of our democracy, and your sacrifices for a better Edo State will never be forgotten.”
Ighodalo emphasized that his political ambition was driven by a genuine desire to serve and create opportunities for the people of Edo. “Together, we ran a great campaign, and your overwhelming support was evident in the ballots before our progress was unjustly halted… by people who do not mean well for you or our state,” he said.
He characterized the day of the election as a dark moment for Edo State, citing it as marked by the “brazen theft of our mandate and the shameful subversion of the will of the people.” Despite these challenges, Ighodalo encouraged his supporters to remain steadfast, asserting that “the illusory triumph of evil over good is only temporary.”
