Former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has voiced his deep disappointment over the Suprem seee Court’s decision upholding Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State.
Reacting via a statement posted shortly after the court ruling on Thursday, Obaseki expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State and Nigerians for their steadfast support. He reiterated his belief that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the rightful winners of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
“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,” Obaseki said.
He explained that the PDP had pursued every available legal avenue—from the Election Petition Tribunal to the Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court—because of their conviction that the election outcome was manipulated.
“But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us,” he added.
While emphasizing strong disagreement with the apex court’s ruling, Obaseki acknowledged its finality.
“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, as law-abiding citizens committed to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict,” he stated.
Obaseki also warned that the conduct and validation of the election posed a serious threat to democratic integrity.
“The way the Edo election was conducted and the subsequent judicial endorsement it received poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy,” he cautioned.
He concluded by encouraging resilience and faith, calling on citizens to keep hope alive.
“As people of faith, we entrust this matter to God, who alone knows the right time and way to bring justice. I urge our people to remain hopeful as we continue striving for the redemption of our dear state,” he said.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Lawal Garba, dismissed Ighodalo’s appeal, ruling that the PDP failed to prove claims of electoral malpractice, including over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The court found that the petition was weakly substantiated, with challenges mounted against only 395 of the 4,519 polling units and supported by insufficient witness testimony.
