Edo Guber: Ighodalo Decries Supreme Court Judgment, Calls It a ‘Betrayal of Democracy’
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Edo State’s 2024 gubernatorial election, Asue Ighodalo, has responded to the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the election of All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator Monday Okpebholo.
The PDP candidate, Ighodalo, claimed that the ruling by the Supreme Court on Thursday, which upheld Okpebholo’s election, was a betrayal not just by those who were accused of election tampering but also by institutions that are supposed to defend democracy.
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“The Supreme Court has made a decision today,” he stated. I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered constitutes justice, even though I acknowledge the finality of its ruling. The governorship election that took place in September 2024 was not a contest. The nation’s top court regrettably confirmed that the heist was planned, intentional, and carried out. “I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, but I must never fear speaking truth to power,” the statement reads. I have a strong sense of betrayal, just like you. Not only by those who manipulated the outcome, but also by the very organizations we relied on to safeguard our democracy. You emerged with optimism. We are now informed that your voice is inconsequential and that your freely granted mandate can be violated without repercussions, despite the fact that you voted for competence, growth, and prosperity. Your pain is felt by me. I will always remember your bravery, and I feel your indignation. To all the young people who witnessed the birth of a new Edo in this time. To all the elders who wished for the restoration of our state. To all the men and women who prayed, ran for office, and cast ballots. Even though we didn’t get the job, we still won something bigger. We discovered each other. We found our strength as a group. Even though this difficult chapter comes to an end today, our lovely tale continues. The fight to restore our cherished state’s soul is still ongoing.
Indeed, there may be gloomy times ahead. Unfortunately, the consequences of this illegitimacy will reverberate outside the Supreme Court’s walls. I worry that Edo will sense it in her people’s everyday misery, the lack of leadership, and the squalor of policy. However, we are not broken or afraid. We might be hurt. However, all wounds mend. So let’s make this our promise. We’re not going to back down. Silencing us is not an option. And we’ll always remember. Lead with humility and govern with conscience to those who currently have undeserved authority. What the judges might not perceive, history does. And it will render its own judgment one day.
