Edo: Obaseki Rejects Supreme Court Ruling, Warns Of Threat To Democracy

Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s verdict affirming Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of the state, describing the judgment as a blow to democracy.

In a statement posted on his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) handle shortly after Thursday’s ruling, Obaseki maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the true winners of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

Obaseki stated, “I am profoundly grateful to the good people of Edo State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the victory, which we believe our party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, won.”

He noted that the PDP pursued its case from the Election Petition Tribunal to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately to the Supreme Court, due to its strong conviction that the election was marred by manipulation.

Obaseki lamented, “But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us.”

While acknowledging the court’s authority, Obaseki reiterated his dissatisfaction with the outcome.

“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,” he added.

The former governor warned that the manner in which the election was conducted and subsequently upheld by the judiciary poses serious risks to Nigeria’s democratic future.

“We want to caution that 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 said.

Obaseki concluded his remarks on a note of spiritual resilience and optimism, calling on supporters not to lose hope.

He said, “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.

“I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland.”

Supreme Court Upholds Okpebholo’s Election

Earlier on Thursday, a five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Lawal Garba, unanimously dismissed the appeal filed by Ighodalo and the PDP, ruling that the petitioners failed to prove their claims of electoral malpractice.

The court held that the appellants only challenged the results from 395 of the 4,519 polling units, and the 19 witnesses called failed to provide compelling evidence to overturn the tribunal’s and the Court of Appeal’s rulings.

Justice Garba maintained that the PDP candidate did not discharge the burden of proof, paving the way for the final judicial confirmation of Okpebholo’s victory.