‘Supreme Court’s Validation Of Edo Guber Outcome Portends Danger To Democracy’, Says Obaseki

The immediate-past governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state, warning that the alleged manipulation of the exercise and subsequent judicial validation of the electon outcome, portends grave danger to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement released on Thursday, Obaseki thanked the people of Edo State and Nigerians for their unwavering support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who ran alongside Osarodion Ogie. He maintained that the PDP’s victory was legitimate, but lamented that all legal avenues taken to challenge the result ended in disappointment.

“It is based on this conviction, and our belief that the results were manipulated, that we took steps to seek legal redress,” he said. “Beginning with the Election Petition Tribunal, then the Court of Appeal, and finally, the Supreme Court. But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us.”

While reiterating his respect for the rule of law, Obaseki noted that his party was bound by the apex court’s decision despite its reservations. However, he issued a stern warning regarding the broader implications of the ruling.

“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 warned.

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Obaseki, who served as governor of Edo State from 2016 to to 2024, called on the people to remain resilient in the face of political and judicial setbacks. Appealing to faith and patience, he added, “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 concluded by urging citizens to hold onto hope: “I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland.”

LEADERSHIP reports that the Supreme Court had earlier on Thursday upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State, putting an end to months of legal contestation following the September 21, 2024 governorship poll.

In a unanimous judgement delivered by a five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Mohammed Garba, it dismissed the appeal filed by Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, for lacking merit.