Ighodalo: “My Mandate Was Stolen by Those Who Don’t Mean Well for Edo”

Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election, has claimed that his mandate was stolen by people with ill intentions for the state.

Ighodalo made this assertion in a statement released on Monday, a day after the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner of the Edo election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo, who finished second with 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came in third, garnering 22,763 votes.

Reacting to INEC’s declaration, Ighodalo said, “First, in all things, we must give thanks to God. We give thanks to God for the gift of life, for good health, and for the love and support you have all shown me.”

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has stood by us on this incredible journey.

“I would like to particularly thank the good people of Edo State who defied the rain, intimidation, threats of violence, harassment, arrests, and financial inducements to cast their votes for us overwhelmingly last Saturday, 21st September 2024.

“You are the true heroes of our democracy, and your sacrifices for a better Edo State will never be forgotten.

“My aspiration was not borne out of a love for power, but from a genuine desire to serve the people and create a Pathway to Prosperity for All in Edo State. I travelled through every ward and every local government area, sharing this message and engaging in meaningful conversations with you.

“To all our beloved supporters, thank you for believing in this vision, for your countless hours of dedication, and for every conversation you had with people about this cause.

“Together, we ran a great campaign, and your overwhelming support was evident in the votes before people who do not wish the best for you or our state unfairly stopped our progress on September 21, 2024.”With the despicable violation of the people’s will and the blatant theft of our mandate, that day will always be remembered as one of our darkest periods in history.