Olusegun Adeyemo
Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed strong disagreement with the Supreme Court ruling affirming Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State. The apex court on Thursday upheld the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, rejecting appeals filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
Reacting in a statement shared via his official X account, Obaseki thanked the people of Edo State and Nigerians for their unwavering support during the election and legal process. He reiterated his belief that the PDP candidate and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the true winners of the 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 stated.
The former governor acknowledged the finality of the Supreme Court judgment but emphasized that the outcome, though legally binding, does not align with the will of the people.
“We strongly disagree with the judgment of the Supreme Court, but we are bound by it,” he added. “This is not just about politics; it’s about the sanctity of the democratic process and the true voice of the people.”
Obaseki’s reaction adds to the growing chorus of political and public responses to the court’s decision, which has stirred debate over electoral credibility, judicial neutrality, and the future of PDP in Edo State politics.
Supporters of the PDP have taken to social media platforms to express disappointment, while others have called for calm and unity in the aftermath of the legal battle.
As of press time, Dr. Ighodalo had yet to issue a formal statement on the ruling.