Asue Ighodalo Vows Loyalty to Supporters, Condemns “Brazen Theft” of Mandate in Edo Governorship Election

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo governorship election, has assured his supporters that he will not abandon them, despite the controversial outcome of the September 21 election.

In a video statement released on Monday, Ighodalo described the election as a dark moment in the political history of Edo State, claiming that the mandate given to him by the people was unjustly stolen.

“To all our beloved supporters, we thank you for believing in this vision, for your countless hours of dedication, and for every conversation you’ve had about this cause. Together, we ran a great campaign, and your overwhelming support was evident in the ballots before our progress was unjustly halted on September 21, 2024, by people who do not mean well for you or for our state,” he said.

Ighodalo went on to label the day as one of Edo State’s darkest, highlighting what he called the “brazen theft” of the people’s mandate and the “shameful subversion” of their will. Despite this, he urged his supporters not to lose hope.

“The illusory triumph of evil over good is only temporary. 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 for prosperity for all in Edo State,” he continued.

He promised to stand by his supporters in the face of uncertainty, saying, “You did not abandon me during our campaign, and I promise you, by the grace of God Almighty, that I will not abandon you.”

In a separate text message posted on his X handle on Tuesday, Ighodalo expressed his gratitude to the people of Edo for their support.

“Thank you, Edo. Thank you for the love and massive support you have shown me throughout this journey. Thank you for braving the rains, threats of violence, harassment, and intimidation to vote for us massively last Saturday, September 21, 2024,” the message read.

He reaffirmed his commitment to recovering the mandate and advancing their shared vision for the state’s prosperity.