The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has accepted the Supreme Court judgment that affirmed the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 2, 2024 Governorship election in the state with mixed feelings
The party, in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday in Benin City, said though the judgment did not go in their favour, they accept it with grace and dignity.
The statement signed by Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman, Edo PDP Caretaker Committee noted that as a party that believes in the rule of law and the democratic process, they received the decision of the court with the utmost respect.
He said, ”today, we stand before you with hearts full of gratitude, not bitterness, with clarity, not confusion and with hope, not despair.
“We have come to the end of a long legal journey, culminating in the judgment of the Supreme Court. As a party that believes in the rule of law and the democratic process, we have received the decision of the Court with the utmost respect.
“Though the judgment did not go in our favor, we accept it with grace and dignity.
“However, let us be clear that our faith is not in man alone. The Supreme Court has spoken, yes, but the Supreme God, the Almighty remains the final and ultimate judge.
“He speaks for the people. He sees the intentions of hearts, the desires of the people of Edo State, and the direction in which they truly wish to go”, he added.
Aziegbemi, however, noted that Nigerians must bear in mind that democracy in the country is still a work in progress.
He posited that the Supreme Court judgment is a reminder of how far Nigerians have come and how much farther they must go.
He added that the party remain hopeful that one day soon, the nation’s democratic institutions would fully reflect the genuine will of the people, without fear, favor, or manipulation.
“To the resilient people of Edo State, we say thank you. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for your courage, your faith, and your trust in the PDP.
“We may not have received the verdict we hoped for, but we are not defeated. We are not discouraged. Our cause is just, and our commitment to good governance, justice, and development remains strong.
“Let it be known that this is not the end. This is only another chapter in our shared journey toward a better Edo State and a better Nigeria. We will continue to engage, organize, and serve with integrity and purpose.
“To all our supporters across the state and beyond, stay peaceful, stay united, and remain hopeful. History is not written in a day, and no judgment can erase the love you have shown us, or the bond we share as a political family.
“The PDP in Edo State will continue to stand as a voice for the voiceless, a shield for the vulnerable, and a platform for progressive change”, he stated.
