The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has claimed that his mandate was stolen and the will of the people undermined in the election.
“That day will be remembered as one of the darkest in our history, marked by the blatant theft of our mandate and the disgraceful subversion of the people’s will,” he said in a statement following the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Monday Okpebholo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, finished second behind Okpebholo, who received 291,667 votes. The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata, came in third with 22,763 votes.
Despite the outcome, Ighodalo praised his supporters, stating, “You are the true heroes of our democracy, and your efforts for a better Edo State will always be remembered.”
He added that their “overwhelming support was evident at the polls, before our progress was unjustly halted on September 21st by those who do not have the best interests of our state at heart.”
See his full statement below:
My dear people of Edo State,
First, we must give thanks to God in all things—for life, health, and for the love and support you’ve shown me.
I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who stood with us on this incredible journey.
I especially thank the courageous people of Edo State who braved the rain, intimidation, threats, harassment, arrests, and financial inducements to cast their votes for us, overwhelmingly, on Saturday, September 21st, 2024. You are the true champions of democracy, and your sacrifices for a better Edo State will never be forgotten.
My candidacy was driven not by a quest for power, but by a genuine desire to serve the people and create a Pathway to Prosperity for All in Edo State. I visited every ward, every local government area, sharing this message and engaging in meaningful dialogue with you.
To all our loyal supporters, thank you for believing in this vision, for your tireless dedication, and for every conversation you held in support of this cause. Together, we ran a strong campaign, and your overwhelming support was clear at the polls before our journey was unfairly disrupted on September 21st by those who do not wish well for our state.
That day will remain a somber chapter in our history, marked by the brazen theft of our mandate and the disgraceful betrayal of the people’s will.
But despite this setback, we must not lose hope. The temporary victory of evil over good is just that—temporary.
Our pursuit of a prosperous Edo State does not end here; it has only just begun. Let us stay engaged, determined, and united in our shared commitment to creating a Pathway to Prosperity for All in Edo State. You stood by me during this campaign, and I assure you, as we confront the uncertain future ahead, I will stand by you.
God bless the people of Edo State.
God bless Nigeria.
I thank you all.
