The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, Asuen Ighodalo, has alleged that a witness supporting his case at the election petition tribunal had his farm set ablaze in a bid to intimidate him from testifying.
Speaking during a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City on Thursday, Ighodalo also claimed that several witnesses were offered between ₦30 million and ₦40 million to withdraw from appearing in court—offers they reportedly rejected in favor of standing with the party.
“One of our witnesses had his farm burnt in an attempt to stop him from testifying. But he stood firm and appeared in court,” Ighodalo said. “Some were offered millions to back down, but they chose to do the right thing. We in PDP don’t have that kind of money—only transport fare. Yet they believed in our cause.”
The PDP candidate, who expressed gratitude to party members and supporters for their resilience and loyalty, stated that an appeal had already been filed against the outcome of the election, which declared All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, the winner.
Ighodalo also revealed that efforts were being made to persuade him to withdraw the case on the basis that both he and Okpebholo hail from the same Edo Central senatorial district. “But this is about justice, not sentiment,” he said.
Addressing the party faithful, Ighodalo urged them to remain united and prepare for the forthcoming Edo Central senatorial and Ovia Federal Constituency elections, encouraging full voter participation.
Earlier, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Edo PDP caretaker committee, affirmed that their leadership is the only recognized authority of the party in the state and assured members that the party is resolute in reclaiming its mandate through the courts.
Former Edo State Governor Lucky Igbinedion, who chaired the event, emphasized that PDP is in court because it firmly believes it won the governorship election. He advised members to avoid internal conflicts and instead focus on strengthening the party’s base.
Echoing this sentiment, Chief Tom Ikimi, a former Minister of Foreign Affairs, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a strong signal of the PDP’s vitality in the state. He criticized individuals opposing the party from within, labeling such actions as “criminal.”
The meeting ended on a high note, with leaders pledging continued unity and legal pursuit of the party’s electoral mandate.
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