By Owen Eresoyen, Benin
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Edo State Chapter on Thursday disagreed with the decision of Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, saying its candidate, Dr.Asue Ighodalo won the governorship election.
The PDP said without any doubt, its candidate, Ighodalo, won the September 21st Governorship election and should be declared winner.
The position of the Edo PDP is coming after the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a terse statement signed by Edo State Chairman, PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, he said that the party and its candidate would explore all available democratic means of enthroning the will of the people of Edo State.
“Although we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem as a political party and respect the judgment, we completely disagree with the decision of the tribunal,” he said.
“We believe, without any doubt, that our candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo in the election was duly elected by the majority of the voters in that election and are certain that we sufficiently proved our case before the tribunal.
“It is on the back of this conviction that we call on all our members to quickly rise up from the ashes of this temporary setback as we take our matter to the appellate courts.
“As firm believers in the rule of law and the ultimate superiority of right over wrong, we call on all our supporters to keep hope alive as we explore all available democratic means of enthroning the will of the people of Edo State”, he added.
Meanwhile, the acting Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC),Edo State Council, Comrade Joman Bernard has congratulated governor Okpebholo of ruling APC,while describing his Tribunal victory as a sign of greater things to come for Edo workers .
According to the congratulatory message by NLC Chairman in Edo, “On behalf of the hard working workers of Edo state, The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Edo state council, heartily congratulate the Executive governor of Edo state, His excellency, senator Monday Okpebholo and his Deputy , Rt, Hon Dennis Idahosa, on their victory in the Edo state governorship election petition tribunal .
“This victory is a sign of more greater things to come for Edo workers and Edo people in general from your administration which has started very well and has gone far beyond our expectations already”, he added.
“As we open a new page for a new Edo that has risen, the new leadership of NLC Edo state council assures you of a harmonious working relationship with your Government, for the betterment and upliftment of Edo workers and Edo people in general”, he sated further.
