Edo State, Nigeria – The Supreme Court of Nigeria has delivered its final verdict on the Edo State governorship election petition, effectively putting an end to the legal challenge brought by Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the opposition. In a swift reaction, Ighodalo released a strongly worded statement expressing his acceptance of the court’s decision, but not its fairness.
While respecting the finality of the judgment, Ighodalo described the September 2024 governorship election as a “coordinated and deliberate robbery,” accusing the electoral process of being marred by widespread malpractice. “Though I accept the finality of its judgment, I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice,” he said.
The legal battle, which has captured national attention for months, centered on Ighodalo’s claims of electoral irregularities and disenfranchisement. However, the apex court upheld the election results, dashing the hopes of his supporters.
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In his address, Ighodalo did not mince words. “It was a robbery. Coordinated. Deliberate. And now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land,” he stated, lamenting what he described as a betrayal by democratic institutions.
He praised the people of Edo State for their courage and resilience during the election period. “We may not have won the office, but we won something greater. We found one another. We discovered our collective strength,” he said, urging them not to be intimidated or silenced by the judgment.
Addressing the incoming administration, Ighodalo advised the new leaders to “lead with humility” and “govern with conscience,” warning that while the courts may have ruled, history will deliver its own verdict.
He concluded his statement with a blessing for the people of Edo State, calling for continued unity and resolve in the face of what he termed “illegitimacy” at the helm.
The Supreme Court judgment now cements the position of the declared winner of the September 2024 governorship election, bringing to a close a long and contentious post-election dispute.
