PDP Rejects Tribunal Ruling, Insists Ighodalo Won Edo Governorship Election

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling, which upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024 election.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba declared that the party remains convinced that its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the election. He announced that the PDP would challenge the verdict at the Court of Appeal, expressing confidence in the judiciary’s ability to ensure justice.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the PDP’s petition, citing a lack of evidence to support claims of over-voting and election manipulation. It noted that Ighodalo and his party failed to provide necessary documents and witness testimonies to substantiate their case.

Despite this, the PDP maintained that the tribunal’s judgment contradicted its own findings and accused it of disregarding substantial evidence. The party vowed to pursue legal action to reclaim what it believes to be its rightful mandate in Edo State.