The political landscape of Edo State remains charged following the September 21, 2024, governorship election, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, continuing to contest the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo. Ighodalo, alleging bribery attempts on his witnesses by the APC, has vowed to pursue his claim to the governorship all the way to the Supreme Court. This follows the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal’s April 2, 2025, ruling upholding Okpebholo’s victory, a decision Ighodalo and the PDP have firmly rejected. The case highlights the deep political divisions within the state and underscores the enduring rivalry between the two dominant political parties. Ighodalo’s assertion of bribery attempts introduces another layer of complexity to the already tense situation, further fueling distrust and suspicion between the two sides.
The disputed election results saw Okpebholo secure 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,655 votes. This margin of victory, while substantial, has been challenged by the PDP, with Ighodalo claiming a mandate stolen through electoral malpractice. The alleged N30 million bribery offer to sway witnesses, if substantiated, would represent a serious breach of electoral integrity and add significant weight to Ighodalo’s claims. However, without concrete evidence, the allegation remains just that – an allegation – further contributing to the politically charged atmosphere. The PDP’s decision to appeal the tribunal’s ruling and pursue the case to the Supreme Court signifies their determination to overturn the election outcome and highlights the high stakes involved in this political battle.
Ighodalo, speaking at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting, expressed unwavering resolve to continue the fight, emphasizing his confidence in securing a favorable judgment from the Supreme Court. He framed the struggle as a fight for justice, invoking divine intervention and reiterating his commitment to serve the people of Edo State. Furthermore, he outlined his vision for the state, promising to build upon the legacy of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion and rewarding party loyalty. This appeal to past achievements and future promises aims to solidify support within the party and maintain momentum in their legal challenge. His pledge to prioritize party loyalists also underscores the importance of internal cohesion within the PDP as they navigate this turbulent period.
Key figures within the PDP echoed Ighodalo’s sentiments. Chief Tom Ikhimi, a former Minister of External Affairs, accused the APC of orchestrating attacks on the PDP, alleging a strategy to establish one-party dominance in the state. He expressed firm belief in Ighodalo’s electoral victory and vowed to retrieve the purportedly “stolen mandate.” These strong statements reflect a deep-seated suspicion and animosity towards the APC, characterizing the political rivalry as a fight for democratic principles and against perceived authoritarian tendencies. The accusation of a one-party state agenda amplifies the stakes of the legal battle, portraying it not just as a fight for the governorship but as a struggle for the very soul of Edo State’s political landscape.
Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo State PDP Caretaker Chairman, while acknowledging the party’s challenges, expressed optimism that these difficulties would ultimately strengthen the party and showcase its resilience. He affirmed the PDP’s majority support within the state, suggesting that the APC’s alleged attempts to co-opt PDP members demonstrate the ruling party’s inherent weakness. This narrative of strength amidst adversity aims to bolster morale within the PDP ranks and project an image of a united front despite external pressures. The claim of majority support, while difficult to verify, serves as a rallying cry, emphasizing the PDP’s continued relevance and potential for resurgence.
Former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, a significant figure within the PDP, simplified the political landscape of Nigeria, portraying it as a contest between the PDP and all other parties. This statement emphasizes the PDP’s self-perceived role as the primary opposition force and underscores the party’s historical significance in Nigerian politics. His call for increased party marketing and support building suggests a strategic shift towards grassroots engagement and a renewed focus on strengthening the party’s base. This emphasis on outreach and mobilization suggests a long-term strategy for rebuilding the PDP’s influence and preparing for future electoral contests. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, acknowledging the challenging times, framed the current situation as an opportunity for reflection and recommitment to the party’s core values. This introspection suggests a desire for internal reform and a recognition of the need to adapt and evolve in the face of changing political dynamics.
