The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has reiterated his confidence in the judiciary as court proceedings over the contentious September 2024 gubernatorial election intensify.
Speaking to reporters outside the court on Wednesday, Ighodalo addressed the concerns of his supporters and condemned acts of intimidation aimed at disrupting the legal process.
Ighodalo also highlighted a series of alarming incidents that have marred court proceedings, including an attack by a masked gunman outside the court.
“These acts of violence and harassment are deliberate distractions intended to make us lose sight,” he said.
Recall that shortly before Wednesday's court session began, panic broke out outside the court when a masked individual opened fire, allegedly disguised as a member of the PPD. The gunman, who fled the scene, was captured on video that circulated widely on social media.
Continuing, he said: “We firmly believe that the judiciary will do the right thing and we look forward to the outcome of the court.
“Our focus remains on reclaiming our mandate and working positively for the good people of Edo State. We will remove poverty from our land, eliminate fear and intimidation and unlock the great potential of this state.”
Ighodalo commended Edo citizens for their steadfastness over the past three months.
“I want to thank the good people of Edo State for coming out in droves to vote for us on September 21 and for keeping the faith through hardships. “They have remained calm in the face of intimidation and harassment, living with strong hope that our efforts to regain our mandate will be successful,” he said.
It will also be recalled that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided a popular hotel in Benin where PDP witnesses were reportedly being held, an incident that further escalated tensions.
Although PDP officials accused the APC of deploying state resources to intimidate witnesses and derail the court process, the anti-graft agency, in confirming the raid, denied that it was politically motivated.
Reacting to the two incidents, the Chairman of the Edo Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Dr. Anthony Aziegbemi, condemned them and linked them to a broader intimidation strategy by the APC.
“The APC is deploying thugs disguised as the PDP and using state agencies like the EFCC to disrupt our court case. “This level of desperation is unacceptable,” he said.
The PDP chairman questioned the motives behind the APC's alleged tactics, noting that the PDP had ordered all its members to stay away from the court headquarters to avoid being implicated in any violence.
“We anticipated APC’s plans to instigate chaos, but we never imagined that they would go so far as to employ a masked gunman and raid hotels where witnesses were staying. “The APC must be held accountable for this blatant anarchy,” he said.
For Ighodalo, the incidents underscore the importance of staying focused.
He said: “Many distractions come our way, but we will not be deterred. Our objective remains to ensure that we go through this court process and hopefully emerge with the mandate that the people of Edo State gave to my deputy Osarodion Ogie and me.”
Ighodalo painted a hopeful vision for the future of the state under his leadership. “We will take Edo State to the next level. By the grace of God, we will eliminate poverty, eliminate bullying and make our people happy.
“We urge our people to stay strong and prayerful. By the grace of God, we will regain our mandate and bring about the change that Edo State deserves,” he said.
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