Okpebholo Offers ‘Political Amnesty’ To Ighodalo After Court Defeat Over Edo Election

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has extended an open invitation to Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 governorship election, offering him what he called “political amnesty.”

This comes after Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld Okpebholo’s election as Edo governor, dismissing the challenge filed by Ighodalo.

In a statement by his spokesperson, Fred Itua, the governor offered an unconditional ‘political amnesty’ to Ighodalo, saying the gesture was one of sportsmanship and reconciliation.

Okpebholo noted that Ighodalo appears to have been abandoned by key political allies following his loss at the polls.

He went on to criticize Ighodalo’s former backers, particularly Governor Godwin Obaseki, who he claimed convinced Ighodalo to contest but is now “hiding in the United States.”

He also alleged that many members of Obaseki’s former cabinet, who once supported Ighodalo, have now distanced themselves and left the country.

“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,” he stated.

“Godwin Obaseki, who lured Asue Ighodalo to come and run for elections, is hiding in the United States of America. Half of Obaseki’s cabinet members who regarded Ighodalo as their own personal vending machine have all deserted him and are hiding abroad.

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

“As a people, we have a task of ensuring that we continue to develop Edo State, protect our people, and work hard to re-elect President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027. Asue Ighodalo can be useful in these key areas.”

The governor stressed the importance of putting aside political rivalries for the greater good of the state.

He assured Ighodalo that past differences would be forgotten if he accepted the offer.

According to the statement, the move is aimed at promoting unity and healing political wounds left by the recent election.

KanyiDaily recalls that PDP had disputed the election results, claiming the mandate was taken unfairly and promising to challenge Okpebholo’s win in court.