The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. However, the Edo State chapter of the PDP has rejected the tribunal’s ruling, stating that they will take their case to the appellate courts.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Azlegbemi, said, “Although we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem as a political party and respect the duly elected by the majority of the voters in that election, we completely disagree with the decision of the tribunal.” Dr. Azlegbemi emphasized that the PDP believes its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was duly elected by the majority of voters in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Dr. Azlegbemi stated that the party is certain it sufficiently proved its case before the tribunal, and it is on this conviction that they are taking their case to the appellate courts. He called on all PDP members to rise up from the ashes of this temporary setback, saying, “As firm believers in the rule of law and the ultimate superiority of right over wrong, we call on all our supporters to keep hope alive”.

Dr. Azlegbemi urged party supporters to keep hope alive as they explore all available democratic means of enthroning the will of the people of Edo State. The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling was based on the petitioners’ failure to prove allegations of over-voting and electoral non-compliance.