Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has publicly criticized Senator Monday Okpebholo following comments made by the senator on TVC News’ program “Journalist Hangout.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin City, Ighodalo labeled Okpebholo’s assertion that “they are mopping up money to go and bribe tribunal people” as thoughtless, false, and a dangerous attempt at blackmailing the judiciary. He stated that such remarks were indicative of a desperate effort to intimidate the judiciary and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
Ighodalo remarked, “Let it be stated unequivocally: there is no truth to Okpebholo’s insinuation. It is a blatant lie, and he knows it. More than anyone else, the tribunal members also understand that no such attempt has been made, would be made, nor could it ever succeed. Okpebholo seeks to preemptively discredit any judgment that does not go his way by making such a reckless claim. It is the classic tactic of a sore loser—crying wolf when, in reality, there is none. The fact is simply that he did not win the people’s mandate.”
He further expressed concern over the impact of Okpebholo’s comments on the integrity of the tribunal, describing them as “deeply irresponsible.” Ighodalo accused the senator of undermining public trust in legal institutions, labeling his statements as a brazen attempt to intimidate election petition tribunal members.
“It is telling that Okpebholo, without evidence for his wild accusations, glibly relies on innuendo and divine invocation to justify his electoral delusions,” Ighodalo continued.
“His statement is riddled with contradictions: on one hand, he claims to trust the judiciary and believes they will do the right thing; on the other, he attempts to smear them with baseless bribery allegations.” he added.
Addressing the seriousness of Okpebholo’s comments, Ighodalo highlighted, “Senator Okpebholo must be aware that, as a respondent in an ongoing legal dispute, his uninformed comments on the merits of our case are deeply subjudice.” He noted Okpebholo’s absence from any tribunal session while still discussing issues he does not fully understand.
Ighodalo called for condemnation of what he termed an attempt to pressure the tribunal through public defamation, urging that such tactics are “dangerous, reckless, and beneath the dignity of anyone who claims to be a leader.”
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law and the democratic process: “The tribunal will do its work based on facts and the law, not on the baseless cries of those who refuse to accept reality. Edo State deserves better. Nigeria deserves better.”