Edo guber election: Supreme Court judgment inimical to Nigeria’s democracy — Obaseki

• He asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, along with his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the rightful winners of the gubernatorial election

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed his displeasure with the Supreme Court’s judgment that affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State.

He noted that the validation of the election by the apex Court is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

Obaseki, however, expressed gratitude to the people of Edo State and Nigerians for their support and steadfastness.

In a statement released on X shortly after Thursday’s verdict, he asserted that the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, along with his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the rightful winners of the governorship election conducted on September 21, 2024.

“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 stated.

The governor noted that the PD P sought justice through every available legal avenue, starting with the Election Petition Tribunal, moving to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately reaching the Supreme Court, driven by their firm belief that the election results had been manipulated.

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

Obaseki acknowledged the binding nature of the verdict despite strong disagreement.

“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict,” he said.

However, he cautioned that the way the election was conducted and subsequently upheld by the courts could pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

“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 added.

The former governor implored Edo people to persevere and keep the faith, saying, “As people of faith, we leave our matters 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,” he said