Edo PDP Leadership Apologizes to Members for Inability to Reclaim Governorship Mandate

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a heartfelt apology to its members and supporters for failing to reclaim the 2024 governorship mandate through the courts.

Chairman of the State Caretaker Committee, Tony Aziegbemi, made the appeal during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday in Benin City, with key party leaders in attendance, including the PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and representatives from across Edo’s senatorial districts.

In his address, Aziegbemi thanked party members for their loyalty and resilience throughout the electoral process and the subsequent legal battle to reverse the election outcome declared in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“We are here to report to you and ask for forgiveness,” Aziegbemi said. “Please forgive us, Edo people, for not being able to retrieve your mandate. We did everything within our power, but unfortunately, we couldn’t overcome the collusion between the Presidency, the Federal Government, INEC, the security agencies, and now the judiciary.”

He described the legal setback at the Supreme Court as the end of the road, urging the party to move forward despite the disappointment.

“The Supreme Court is the final bus stop. There is nothing else we can do about that. So, we must close that chapter and move on.”

Aziegbemi also claimed that initial results displayed on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) showed PDP in the lead, and that even some APC leaders had begun congratulating him on the party’s apparent victory before what he described as “manipulations” began.

“By 8:30 p.m. on September 21, APC leaders were calling to congratulate me, because they saw what we were all seeing on the IReV. But by 9 p.m., the manipulation started,” he alleged.

Reiterating that the party’s mandate was “stolen,” Aziegbemi maintained that the PDP’s decision to challenge the election outcome through legal means was in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law.

“Our members remained steadfast until the final judgment last Thursday. Edo people know who they voted for. They know Asue Ighodalo is the rightful governor,” he insisted.

In his remarks, Dr. Asue Ighodalo expressed deep appreciation for the trust and support shown by the people of Edo State.

“I thank everyone who voted for me and believed in our vision. I urge you not to lose hope. Be strong, be courageous—it is temporary. What God has ordained will surely come to pass, in His own time,” he said.