“Tribunal Bribery Claim Is False and Desperate” – Ighodalo Fires Back At Okpebholo

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has strongly condemned Senator Monday Okpebholo for his recent claim on TVC News’ Journalist Hangout. Okpebholo alleged that funds were being mobilized to bribe the Edo State Election Tribunal, a statement Ighodalo described as false, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to blackmail the judiciary.

In a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae of the Team Asue Media Organisation, Ighodalo criticized Okpebholo’s remarks as a desperate strategy to discredit the legal process, intimidate the judiciary, and manipulate public perception ahead of the tribunal’s ruling.

“There is absolutely no truth to Okpebholo’s claims,” Ighodalo stated. “It is a blatant lie, and he knows it. No such attempt has been made, nor would it be made. His reckless accusation is a calculated move to cast doubt on any tribunal judgment that does not favor him—a classic tactic of a sore loser.”

Ighodalo further expressed concern that a respondent in an ongoing legal case would seek to undermine the integrity of the tribunal with baseless allegations. He accused Okpebholo of attempting to erode public trust in Nigeria’s legal institutions by making wild, contradictory claims—on one hand professing faith in the judiciary while simultaneously accusing it of corruption.

He also criticized Okpebholo for commenting on a case he has not attended in court, stating: “It is telling that someone who has failed to appear at a single tribunal sitting would go on national television to make uninformed remarks. His reckless statements are a clear attempt to pressure the tribunal and must be condemned.”

Emphasizing that democracy thrives on the rule of law, not fabricated narratives, Ighodalo urged the tribunal to take note of Okpebholo’s remarks—not because they have any merit, but because they expose a deliberate ploy to manipulate the process.

“Edo State deserves better. Nigeria deserves better. The judiciary must remain independent and unshaken by baseless accusations from those who refuse to accept reality. The tribunal will rule based on facts and the law, not on the desperation of those who spread lies and fear,” he concluded.