The Edo State former governor, Godwin Obaseki has faulted the Supreme Court judgement, declaring the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its gubernatorial candidate, Monday Okpebholo, as winner of the 2024 governorship election in the state.
Obaseki said that the judgement made by the apex court was at variance with what transpired during the poll barely nine months before the election in Edo.
The former governor noted that judgement delivered by the tribunal, appeal and supreme courts portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement released on Thursday after the Supreme Court judgement delivered by a five-man panel led by Justice Mohammed Lawal which held that the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) and it’s candidate, Asus Ighodalo, could not establish their claims of election non-compliance, unlawful votes, and that Monday Okpebholo was not duly elected.
He meanwhile appealed that the people remain calm and remain resolute in the push to return the PDP to power in the state.
According to the statement, “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 in the Edo State Governorship Election, which took place on September 21, 2024.
“It is based on this conviction, and our belief that the results were manipulated that we took steps to seek legal redress, 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland”.
