65% Voters backed me, but the System failed – Ighodalo

By Jethro Ibileke

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024, Edo State gubernatorial election, has expressed resilience despite losing his legal challenge to reclaim his mandate from the Election Tribunal to the Supreme Court.

Speaking at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Benin on Monday, July 14, 2025, Ighodalo stated he was not disheartened, drawing solace from the 65% of voters who supported him.

Ighodalo maintained that the electorate’s mandate was unjustly taken, alleging that justice was undermined throughout the legal process.

He praised his supporters for their steadfast commitment, despite reported intimidation, arrests, and vote-buying during the election.

He emphasized that Edo voters sought better governance but were compelled to accept an unfavorable outcome.

Criticizing PDP lawmakers who defected for financial gain, Ighodalo commended the five who remained loyal to the party.

He urged collective decision-making to chart the party’s future, rejecting external dictation and affirming the PDP’s democratic legacy.

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the PDP caretaker committee chairman, apologized to members for failing to secure the mandate, citing a formidable alliance between the presidency, federal government, INEC, security agencies, and the judiciary as an insurmountable barrier.

He asserted that the PDP’s petitions were robust and, if judged on merit, would have resulted in Ighodalo’s declaration as governor.

Aziegbemi noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling marked the end of the legal battle, urging the party to move forward and reposition itself.

Looking ahead, Aziegbemi outlined the PDP’s goal to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election, citing economic hardships under the current administration.

He called on supporters to unite for this objective, emphasizing the need to address the nation’s challenges.