Following the announcement of the results for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has delivered a heartfelt speech to his supporters, expressing both gratitude and defiance.
Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, finished second behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with 291,667 votes. Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata finished third with 22,763 votes.
In his statement, Ighodalo described the election as a “theft of mandate” and a “shameful subversion of the will of the people.”
He reassured his supporters that their sacrifices and overwhelming support would not be forgotten, emphasizing that their contributions were not in vain despite the outcome.
“My good people of Edo State,” Ighodalo began, “First, in all things, we must give thanks to God. We give thanks to God for the gift of life, of health, and for the love you all have shown me.”
READ ALSO: PDP’s Ighodalo slams Edo election as “worst in history” amid irregularities
He extended his heartfelt appreciation to the people of Edo who, despite numerous challenges including rain, intimidation, threats of violence, and financial inducements, came out to vote.
“You are the true heroes of our democracy, and your sacrifices for a better Edo State will never be forgotten,” he said.
Ighodalo also expressed his deep disappointment with the results, claiming that the will of the people had been unjustly halted by those who “do not mean well for you or for our state.”
Reflecting on the events of election day, September 21st, 2024, Ighodalo described it as one of the darkest moments in Edo’s political history.
“That day will forever be etched in our history as one of our darkest moments, marked by the brazen theft of our mandate and the shameful subversion of the will of the people,” he stated.
Despite these frustrations, Ighodalo remained resolute in his commitment to the people, encouraging his supporters not to lose hope.
“The illusory triumph of evil over good is only temporary,” he said, urging them to remain engaged, committed, and united in their collective goal of creating a “Pathway to Prosperity for All in Edo State.”
Ighodalo made it clear that the fight for a better Edo State was far from over. “Our journey towards a prosperous Edo State does not end here; it is just beginning,” he said.
He promised his supporters that he would stand by them as they navigate the uncertain future together. “You did not abandon me during our campaign; and I promise you that as we face a daunting and uncertain future together, I will not abandon you.”
READ ALSO: Voters warn of disenfranchisement as INEC delays stall voting in Ighodalo’s ward
He concluded his speech with blessings for both Edo State and Nigeria as a whole. “God bless the people of Edo State. God bless the people of Nigeria. I thank you all.”
Ighodalo’s address comes at a time of increasing discontent among his supporters and PDP members, who argue that the election was marred by irregularities and manipulations, echoing his sentiment of a stolen mandate.
As protests continue to grow in response to the election outcome, many within the PDP have called for a full review of the process to restore confidence in the electoral system.
This marks a critical moment in Edo’s political landscape as the PDP gears up for potential legal battles while maintaining strong support from a large portion of the electorate.