Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2024 governorship election in Edo State, Dr Asue Ighodalo, has reiterated his strong belief in the ability of the Judiciary to right the wrongs associated with the September 21 election in state.

Ighodalo stated this while addressing newsmen outside the Tribunal venue which started the substantive hearing of his petition on Wednesday in Benin.

Reacting to what transpired during the day, Ighodalo said, "So far so good today. We're glad the way things have gone. There are certain in-house things to be done on the documents and that should be done today and tomorrow.

"We strongly believe that the judiciary will do the right thing and we are looking forward to the outcome of the Tribunal proceedings."

Ighodalo used the opportunity to express his profound gratitude to the people of the state for keeping faith and refusing to be provoked in the face of immense harassment and intimidation.

"I want to use this opportunity to truly thank the good people of Edo State for coming out to massively vote for us in their numbers in the rain and in difficulties on 21 and for keeping the faith and staying true to us. And then they have been very calm in the face of intimidation and harassment in the last three months and staying faithful and they are living on strong hope. I really thank them."

Ighodalo also expressed concern for the conditions of the people and what they are currently going through, saying he feels for them.

"We know our people are going through a lot of hardship and suffering and pains. We sympatise with them and just ask them to stay strong and prayerful."

Ighodalo alluded to the sundry arm twisting tactics being employed by the other party to the petition to cause distraction for him and his party.

"We know a lot of things are being done to make us take off our eyes from the ball in ensuring we go through the Tribunal proceedings effectively and reclaim our mandate and be able to work positively for the people and remove poverty from our land and take Edo State to the next level. I am hopeful that by the grace of Almighty God, this opportunity will be realized and Osarodion Ogie and myself will take Edo State to the next level where the people can live well, be happy and take poverty, harassment and intimidation, Lions and Tigers out of our land. Edo is blessed handsomely by God and by His grace we will bring our the potential in the state," Ighodalo stated.

The Tribunal adjourned sitting to Friday, January 17.

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