The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the ruling of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, describing it as a miscarriage of justice.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party claimed the judgment was a betrayal of the trust Edo people had in the tribunal.
The PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the governorship election. However, the tribunal upheld Okpebholo’s victory.
Reacting to the verdict, the PDP insisted that Ighodalo won the election and announced plans to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal.
“It is very disturbing that despite the overwhelming evidence and findings by the tribunal that the PDP was robbed of its clear victory at the election through manipulations, including wrongful allocation of votes to the APC, arbitrary and illegal cancellation of valid votes won by the PDP, the tribunal contradicted itself by reaching a conclusion that is at variance with its own findings,” the party stated.
The PDP further described the ruling as a threat to public confidence in democracy and electoral justice but expressed optimism that the judiciary would ensure fairness at the appellate level.
“Our party and candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, are proceeding to the Court of Appeal where we believe that there will be a conscientious judicial review of the matter to give justice to the people of Edo State,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the APC welcomed the tribunal’s judgment, calling it an affirmation of the will of Edo voters.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, described the ruling as a validation of the electorate’s overwhelming support for Okpebholo in the September 21 gubernatorial election.
“This landmark judgment underscores the judiciary’s independence, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening democracy in our country,” Morka said.
He thanked Edo residents for their support and expressed confidence that the tribunal victory would further energize Okpebholo’s administration in delivering good governance.
Morka also urged the governor to continue implementing President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to bring meaningful benefits to the people of the state.
