“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. Ighodalo swiftly denied the claim.

Specifically, Ighodalo described the allegation as false, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to blackmail and intimidate the judiciary.

In a statement by Erhabor Emokpae of Team Asue Media Organisation, Ighodalo criticized Okpebholo’s comments as reckless and desperate.

Furthermore, Ighodalo accused Okpebholo of trying to discredit the legal process and manipulate public opinion before the tribunal’s verdict.

“There is absolutely no truth to Okpebholo’s claims,” Ighodalo declared. “It is a blatant lie, and he knows it.”

Moreover, Ighodalo stressed that no such bribery attempt had occurred, nor would it be considered or permitted under law.

He described the accusation as a calculated move to discredit any tribunal ruling that may not favor Okpebholo’s interests.

Additionally, Ighodalo expressed concern that a legal respondent would seek to undermine the tribunal’s integrity with baseless claims.

He noted that Okpebholo’s contradictory actions damage public trust—professing faith in the judiciary while simultaneously accusing it of corruption.

Notably, Ighodalo criticized Okpebholo for commenting publicly on a tribunal case he has never attended in person.

“It is telling that someone absent from court would appear on television to make such uninformed and damaging remarks,” he said.

Consequently, Ighodalo accused Okpebholo of attempting to pressure the tribunal through public misinformation and fearmongering.

He urged the tribunal to note these remarks—not for their truth—but for exposing efforts to manipulate legal proceedings.

Emphasizing the rule of law, Ighodalo stated democracy must thrive on facts, not fabrications or desperate narratives.

“Edo State deserves better. Nigeria deserves better. The judiciary must remain independent and unshaken by baseless accusations,” he concluded.

Finally, he affirmed that the tribunal will rule based on evidence and law, not fear or political desperation.