The Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, has revealed that certain individuals have mounted pressure on him to withdraw his appeal challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the poll, citing their shared senatorial district as the reason.
Ighodalo made the disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP held in Benin City. He also made damning allegations of attempts to suppress evidence and intimidate witnesses in the ongoing legal battle.
According to him, some of his witnesses were approached with monetary inducements ranging between ₦30 million and ₦40 million in a bid to dissuade them from appearing in court to testify.
“Some of them were also offered between ₦30 million and ₦40 million not to come to the court. We PDP don’t have that kind of money to give except only transport fares. They rejected the offers and testified for the party,” Ighodalo stated.
He further alleged that one of the witnesses had his farm set ablaze in an act of intimidation aimed at preventing him from testifying. Despite the attack, the witness defied the threats and appeared in court.
“This family is remarkable. I haven’t had the opportunity to publicly thank everybody since the election. Despite the intimidation, despite the money spent, despite everything that they did to us, we won that election hands down,” he alleged.
Expressing unwavering confidence in the judicial process, Ighodalo affirmed that the PDP had already filed an appeal and that he remained determined to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.
He also used the occasion to remind members of the party of the forthcoming elections in Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal Constituency, urging them to come out in large numbers to support whoever emerges as the party’s candidate.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the PDP caretaker committee in the state, Tony Aziegbemi, reaffirmed the legitimacy of his leadership, insisting that his committee remains the only officially recognised structure of the party in Edo.
Aziegbemi expressed optimism about the outcome of the legal challenge, assuring members that the party would eventually reclaim its mandate through the courts.
Also speaking at the event, former Governor of Edo State and chairman of the occasion, Lucky Igbinedion, declared that the PDP is in court because it was the rightful winner of the election. He encouraged party members to avoid unnecessary conflicts and instead focus on attracting more people to the party.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tom Ikimi, who also spoke at the meeting, described the gathering as significant and symbolic. He said it sent a strong message across the nation that the PDP in Edo State remains “strong and vibrant.”
Ikimi took a swipe at those opposing the party while pretending to be members, accusing them of engaging in criminal activities.
