•Godwin Obaseki
Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed strong reservations over the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, warning that the judgment could have serious implications for Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement issued following the Supreme Court decision, Obaseki said that despite believing his party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), legitimately won the September 21, 2024 governorship election, all levels of the judiciary including the Election Petition Tribunal and Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, reports The Guardian.
“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, but as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict,” Obaseki said.
He alleged that the 2024 governorship poll was manipulated and warned that both the conduct of the election and its legal affirmation represent a threat to democratic integrity.
“The iconic manner in which the Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy,” he stated.
Obaseki called on Edo people and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful, adding that justice in a broader sense lies in divine hands.
“As people of faith, we leave our matter in God’s hands, trusting that only He knows the appropriate time and manner to deliver divine justice and redemption to our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Governor Monday Okpebholo on the Supreme Court’s decision affirming his election.
The president, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the judgment as the final confirmation of Okpebholo’s mandate.
President Tinubu urged the governor to demonstrate inclusiveness in governance, calling on him to unite all citizens in the state for the purpose of development.
“The President encourages Governor Okpebholo to be magnanimous in victory and rally the citizens of Edo across divides towards a singular vision of advancing the state’s development,” the statement read.
Tinubu further encouraged the governor to focus on delivering quality governance now that the legal disputes had been resolved. He also congratulated the APC leadership in Edo State and called for unity and dedication in carrying out the party’s responsibilities to the electorate.
The Supreme Court ruling brings to a close the legal contest over the 2024 Edo State governorship election.
