The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has strongly condemned what he described as “reckless and baseless allegations” made by Senator Monday Okpebholo regarding the ongoing election tribunal proceedings.
Okpebholo, a key opposition figure, alleged during a TVC News ‘Journalist Hangout’ segment that “they are mopping up money to go and bribe tribunal people,” a statement that has since drawn widespread criticism for its implications on the judiciary’s integrity.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Erhabor Emokpae, on Wednesday in Benin City, Ighodalo described the claim as “deeply irresponsible” and a “desperate and calculated ploy to intimidate the judiciary, poison public discourse, and erode public confidence in the legal process.”
Ighodalo asserted that Okpebholo’s allegations were entirely unfounded and should be seen for what they truly are—an attempt to cast doubt on any tribunal ruling that does not favor him.
“Let it be stated unequivocally: there is absolutely no truth to Okpebholo’s insinuation. It is a blatant lie, and he knows it. The members of the tribunal, more than anyone else, also know that no such attempt has been made, would be made, nor could it ever succeed,” Ighodalo declared.
According to the PDP candidate, Okpebholo’s tactics follow a predictable pattern often employed by individuals who anticipate unfavorable outcomes in legal battles.
“This is the classic tactic of a sore loser—crying wolf when in reality there is none. The reality is simply that he did not win the people’s mandate,” Ighodalo added.
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Ighodalo expressed concern over the implications of such remarks, warning that they could be seen as an attempt to manipulate judicial proceedings through public pressure.
“It is deeply troubling that a respondent in an ongoing case would seek to so blatantly undermine the integrity of the judicial panel with such baseless accusations,” the statement read.
The PDP candidate also pointed out contradictions in Okpebholo’s assertions, stating that on one hand, the senator claims to trust the judiciary, while on the other, he seeks to tarnish its credibility with accusations of bribery.
Ighodalo suggested that Okpebholo’s remarks might be a sign of mounting anxiety within his camp, possibly due to the weak defense they presented before the tribunal.
“Okpebholo’s outburst raises an obvious question: is his camp beginning to realize that the defense they presented before the Tribunal was weak and inadequate? Having failed to mount a credible legal defense, is he now seeking extra-judicial remedies through public blackmail?” Ighodalo asked.
He further argued that Edo State and Nigeria as a whole deserve better leadership than individuals who resort to spreading falsehoods when faced with defeat.
Ighodalo urged the judiciary and the general public to see through Okpebholo’s tactics and ensure that such reckless statements do not derail the legal process.
“This attempt to pressure the tribunal through public defamation must be condemned by all. It is dangerous, it is reckless, and it is beneath the dignity of anyone who claims to be a leader,” he stressed.
“The tribunal will do its work based on facts and the law, not on the baseless cries of those who refuse to accept reality,” Ighodalo concluded.
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Legal experts and political analysts have also weighed in on the controversy, with many expressing concerns over how inflammatory remarks like these can undermine faith in the electoral system.
Barrister Femi Olatunji, a constitutional lawyer, warned that making unverified claims against a judicial body could amount to contempt of court. “Baseless accusations against the judiciary are dangerous because they can erode public trust and incite unnecessary tension,” he said.
Political analyst Dr. Rita Eghosa also noted that such statements are often used as preemptive measures to delegitimize an unfavorable ruling. “This is a well-known strategy. If the ruling does not favor Okpebholo, he can point to this accusation as an excuse to reject it,” she explained.
As the tribunal continues its proceedings, all eyes remain on the judiciary to ensure a fair and transparent ruling, free from political intimidation.