Asue Ighodalo, the candidate representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the upcoming September 21, 2024 election, has voiced his firm confidence in the judiciary as a crucial instrument for justice and the protection of democratic values in Nigeria. During a recent television appearance in Benin, Ighodalo asserted that his belief in the judicial system provides him the assurance that he can reclaim his alleged stolen mandate from the incumbent who falsely claimed victory. He emphasized that despite varying public perceptions, his extensive experience as a lawyer over the past 40 years fortifies his unwavering faith in the judicial process to rectify electoral injustices.
Ighodalo brought forth serious allegations against the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing them of colluding with certain compromised officials from the Nigeria Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to manipulate the election results in their favor. He criticized these actions as antithetical to the democratic ethos, branding the parties involved as enemies of democracy in Nigeria. Ighodalo firmly pledged to employ every lawful strategy available to recover his legitimate mandate, expressing his determination to confront those who he believes orchestrated the electoral malfeasance.
Despite recognizing the possibility of an unfavorable court ruling, Ighodalo affirmed his commitment to abide by the decision of the highest court, should that be the final verdict. His optimism was predicated on the accumulated evidence and the capabilities of his legal team, which have consistently yielded favorable outcomes in his previous legal battles. He recounted with pride winning all fifteen cases filed against him following his PDP nomination, which he claimed gives him a solid foundation for believing he will prevail in the tribunal.
Iam Ighodalo voiced his disapproval of the harassment and wrongful arrests of PDP supporters based on unfounded allegations during and prior to the election. Furthermore, he criticized the INEC for allegedly displaying favoritism towards the APC when the PDP exercised its legitimate right to inspect election materials as mandated by a court order, a situation he described as unconscionable. He stated that independent election observers had rated the collation process poorly and reiterated that the evidence supporting his claim of victory was irrefutably strong.
Ighodalo dismissed claims suggesting that internal conflicts within the PDP were responsible for the electoral outcome, labeling these assertions as mere propaganda propagated by APC supporters to distort the narrative surrounding the election. He pointedly remarked on the absurdity of congratulating someone who has unlawfully taken from another, emphasizing that the attempts to sow discord within his party were ill-timed and lacked credible foundation. He further cautioned that if electoral fraud like what occurred in Edo continues unchecked, it poses a serious threat to the future of democracy in the country.
In conclusion, Ighodalo expressed gratitude to the people of Edo for their enduring support and urged them to remain steadfast and not be swayed by provocations from those with ill intentions. He called on the electorate to remain vigilant against attempts to undermine their democratic rights and reiterate the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. Ighodalo’s resolute stand against electoral fraud and his belief in a just judicial system underscore his commitment to democracy in Nigeria.
