Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
Asue Ighodalo, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Edo State governorship poll, has claimed that the election was “stolen by the opposition”.
Ighodalo who spoke on Monday, claimed that the electoral process was marred by intimidation, threats of violence, harassment, arrests and financial inducements.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the APC, winner of the election with 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo who polled 247,655 votes.
Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), came third with 22, 763 votes.
Said Ighodalo while reacting to the polls outcome: “We ran a great campaign, and your overwhelming support was evident in the ballots before our progress was unjustly halted on September 21st, 2024 by people who do not mean well for you or for our state.
“That day will forever be etched in our history as one of our darkest moments, marked by the brazen theft of our mandate and the shameful subversion of the will of the people.
“Yet, in the face of this challenge, we must not be discouraged. The illusory triumph of evil over good is only temporary”.
Ighodalo urged the people of Edo State not to lose faith, adding that they should remain committed to creating a prosperous State.
Noted he: “Our journey towards a prosperous Edo State does not end here; it is just beginning. Let us remain engaged, committed, and united in our collective resolve to create a pathway to prosperity for all in Edo State.
“You did not abandon me during our campaign; and I promise you that as we face a daunting and uncertain future together, I will not abandon you”.
