“I Feel a Deep Sense of Betrayal” -PDP’s Asue Ighodalo Reacts to Supreme Court Verdict

Mr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming September 2024 governorship election in Edo State, has expressed deep disappointment over the Supreme Court’s recent ruling against his candidacy. In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday in Abuja, Ighodalo did not hold back in describing his feelings following the apex court’s decision.

While acknowledging the finality of the judgment, Ighodalo made it clear that he believes true justice was not served.

“I do not and cannot pretend that what was delivered amounts to justice,” he stated in the personal message.

Reacting to the ruling, the PDP candidate characterized the entire electoral process as deeply flawed, describing it as an orchestrated scheme rather than a legitimate contest.

According to him, “The election was not a contest but a robbery,” calling it “coordinated, deliberate and now, tragically validated by the highest court in the land.”

Despite his dissatisfaction, Ighodalo reaffirmed his respect for the judicial process, saying, “While I will not and cannot obstruct any judicial pronouncement, no matter how flawed, I must never fear to speak truth to power.”

He further emphasized that his frustration was not solely with the alleged manipulators of the election, but with the institutions meant to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.

“Like you, I feel a deep sense of betrayal,” he added.
“Not just by those who rigged the process, but by the very institutions we trusted to protect our democracy.”

In an emotional appeal to his supporters, Ighodalo expressed empathy and solidarity.

“You came out in hope. You voted for competence, for progress, for prosperity and now, we are told that your voice does not matter. That your freely given mandate can be trampled without consequence. I feel your pain. I share your anger. And I will never forget your courage.”

Ighodalo’s statement has stirred conversation across political circles, as the aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment continues to generate strong reactions ahead of the Edo governorship election.