Obaseki reacts Supreme Court ruling, criticising the judgement upholding Okpebholo’s victory and warning it endangers Nigeria’s democracy and electoral justice

Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has publicly criticised the Supreme Court’s decision affirming the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing the process as flawed and dangerous for Nigeria’s democracy.

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Obaseki reacts Supreme Court ruling by expressing deep dissatisfaction with what he called the “iconic manner” in which the 21 September 2024 governorship election was manipulated, warning that the judiciary’s validation of such a process sets a worrying precedent.

“We, however, 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 in a statement on Thursday.

He maintained that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, were the rightful winners of the election.

Despite legal challenges that stretched from the Election Petition Tribunal to the Supreme Court, all verdicts favoured Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“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.

While strongly disagreeing with the Supreme Court ruling, Obaseki affirmed his commitment to the rule of law, urging Edo residents and Nigerians to remain hopeful and faithful.

“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.

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“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.”