Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in last year’s governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has said that though painful chapter of legal battle to challenge the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State has ended today, July 10, 2025, the struggle to reclaim the soul of the state continues.
Ighodalo who was reacting to the Supreme Court judgment dismissing his appeal, said history would deliver its verdict on the polls afterwards.
He added that he could not pretend that what was delivered translate to justice.
The PDP candidate insisted that what happened at the polls was not a contest but a robbery coordinated and deliberate.
He said, “I feel a deep sense of betrayal. Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy.
“You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity. And now, we are told that your voice does not matter. That your freely given mandate can be trampled without consequence.
“I feel your pain. I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage.
“To every young person who saw in this moment the birth of a new Edo. To every elder who longed to see our state rise again. To every woman and man who prayed, prayed, campaigned, and voted. We may not have won the office, but we won something greater. We found one another. We discovered our collective strength.
“Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end. The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues.
“Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will, unfortunately, echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court. I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people.
“So let this be our vow. We will not retreat. We will not be silenced. And we will never forget.
“To those who now hold power undeserved, lead with humility. Govern with conscience. History sees what the courts may not. And one day, it will deliver its own verdict.”
For Governor Monday Okpebholo, it was time to extend hands of fellowship to all his opponents to join hands with to move Edo State to greater heights.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, extended olive branch to all his opponents and members of the opposition political parties
Okpebholo said elections were over and that ‘real work of governance and healing must begin.’
He urged.political leaders across party lines to rise above division and contribute constructively to the task of building a greater Edo State.
The Governor cautioned that constructive criticism and diverse perspectives would be welcomed, but such criticism must be rooted in a sincere desire to see Edo thrive.
Okpebholo also thanked the judiciary for its courage and fidelity to justice.
According to the statement, “This definitive verdict is not merely a legal triumph—it is a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State. It signals the beginning of a fresh chapter rooted in unity, inclusiveness, and accelerated development.
“Governor Okpebholo renews his vow to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability. His administration remains fully committed to its developmental blueprint—prioritizing security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment, and job creation. The focus remains clear: to deliver tangible benefits that uplift lives and restore confidence in public leadership.”
