By Our Correspondent

In a surprising move aimed at fostering post-election unity, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has extended an unconditional political amnesty to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.

The offer, announced in a press statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, is seen as a bold gesture of reconciliation and political magnanimity. Governor Okpebholo described Ighodalo’s situation since his electoral defeat as “troubling,” and called on him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contribute to the ongoing development efforts across the state.

“I want to publicly invite Mr. Asue Ighodalo to join us in the APC so that, together, we can advance the cause of development in our dear State. Since his vision aligns with what we are already doing through God’s help, we believe he still has a role to play,” Governor Okpebholo said.

He further alleged that Mr. Ighodalo had been abandoned by his political sponsor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki, who he claimed was “now hiding in the United States of America,” along with several of his former cabinet members.

“As a brother who truly cares for Ighodalo’s wellbeing, I believe that this political amnesty will save him from this humiliation and loneliness,” the governor said.

Emphasizing the need for unity and reconciliation beyond political affiliations, Okpebholo assured that past political differences would be set aside if Ighodalo accepts the amnesty.

“We are ready to forgive and move forward. What matters now is putting Edo State first. The time for politics is over. This is the time to work for the people and ensure that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of the State,” he added.

Governor Okpebholo’s administration has prioritized peace, security, and development, and this latest overture is seen as part of a broader strategy to heal the rifts created during the hard-fought election.

Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Asue Ighodalo has announced his decision to challenge the rulings of both the Election Tribunal and the Court of Appeal at the Supreme Court.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Ighodalo expressed disappointment with the Court of Appeal’s decision to uphold Okpebholo’s election, describing it as a validation of electoral impunity.

“While we acknowledge the Court’s pronouncement, we believe that this judgment, like that of the Tribunal before it, failed to address the grave concerns we raised regarding widespread acts of non-compliance with, and clear violations of the Electoral Act,” he said.

Ighodalo insisted that the will of the Edo people was “brazenly subverted” during the election and that the rulings so far ignore the fundamental issues raised by his legal team.

“We cannot, and will not, allow injustice to go unchallenged. I have therefore instructed my legal team to approach the Supreme Court of Nigeria to seek redress,” he declared.

He reaffirmed his belief in the Supreme Court’s role as the final guardian of justice and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful. “We believe their Lordships will consider not just the letter of the law, but the greater implications for democracy, justice, and public trust. The eyes of Edo people, and indeed all Nigerians, now look up to the Supreme Court with hope,” Ighodalo concluded.

With the legal battle now heading to the nation’s apex court and the governor offering an olive branch, all eyes remain fixed on how this political drama in Edo State will ultimately unfold.