By Ayodele Oni
Reactions continue to trail the judgement of the Supreme Court which validated the victory of Edo state Governor, Monday Okpebholo with his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki denounced what he termed the “iconic manner” in which the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election of was manipulated.
Also, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state expressed disappointment over the outcome.
Obaseki warned that the judiciary’s validation of the process sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
“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.”
The former governor said he “strongly disagreed” with the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election victory.
He pointed out that he believed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, won the September 21, 2024, governorship 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 emphasised that the party’s legal challenge, which went across the Election Petition Tribunal, the Court of Appeal, and ultimately the Supreme Court, was driven by a strong conviction that the election was manipulated.
However, he noted that despite what he described as clear evidence, all courts ruled against the PDP.
He, however, called on the people of Edo and Nigerians at large to remain hopeful and resilient, expressing faith that divine justice would prevail.
“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.”
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement signed by the Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, who expressed disappointment over the judgment, however expressed hope that the country’s democratic institutions will one day fully reflect the genuine will of the people.
“We have come to the end of a long legal journey, culminating in the judgment of the Supreme Court. As a party that believes in the rule of law and the democratic process, we have received the decision of the Court with the utmost respect.
“Though the judgment did not go in our favor, we accept it with grace and dignity.
“Nigeria’s democracy, we must remind ourselves, is still a work in progress. This moment is a reminder of how far we have come — and how much farther we must go.
“We remain hopeful that one day soon, our democratic institutions will fully reflect the genuine will of the people, without fear, favor, or manipulation.
“To the resilient people of Edo State, we say: thank you. Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for your courage, your faith, and your trust in the PDP.
“We may not have received the verdict we hoped for, but we are not defeated. We are not discouraged. Our cause is just, and our commitment to good governance, justice, and development remains strong.
“Let it be known: this is not the end. This is only another chapter in our shared journey toward a better Edo State and a better Nigeria. We will continue to engage, organize, and serve with integrity and purpose.
“To all our supporters across the state and beyond — stay peaceful, stay united, and remain hopeful.
“History is not written in a day, and no judgment can erase the love you have shown us, or the bond we share as a political family.”
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