Obaseki rejects Edo guber verdict, warns of threat to democracy

Former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has strongly criticised the Supreme Court’s decision affirming Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the validly elected governor of the state, describing the judgment as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democratic process.

The apex court, in a unanimous ruling delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed the appeal filed by Asue Ighodalo, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

The court ruled that the appeal lacked merit, thereby upholding the earlier decisions of the Court of Appeal and the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.

READ ALSO: Edo 2024: What happened On Sept 21 was deliberate, Coordinated robbery — Ighodalo

In a statement issued shortly after the judgment, Obaseki expressed deep disappointment with the ruling, alleging that the election was manipulated and lamenting the validation of what he termed a flawed electoral process.

“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,” Obaseki stated.

“But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us.”

While acknowledging that the PDP is bound by the Supreme Court’s final decision, Obaseki warned that the implications of the judgment go beyond party lines, potentially undermining public trust in the judiciary and democratic institutions.

“This is not just about the PDP or Asue Ighodalo; it is about the future of free and fair elections in Nigeria. The Supreme Court’s ruling sends a troubling signal,” he added.

Legal scholars and political analysts are divided over the Supreme Court’s decision. Some believe the court rightly applied the law based on available evidence, while others say the ruling reflects deeper concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral and judicial systems.

“The court’s decision is final, but that does not mean it is beyond public scrutiny,” said Dr. Isa Salami, a political analyst at the University of Benin. “The electoral process must be transparent, and if stakeholders perceive it as compromised, democracy suffers.”

Barrister Ifeoma Akande, a constitutional lawyer, added: “The courts must continue to rise above political pressure. That said, the credibility of elections should not be left to the judiciary to determine after the fact—it must be secured at the ballot box.”

Despite his frustration with the outcome, Obaseki urged PDP supporters and Edo citizens not to lose faith in Nigeria’s democratic project.

“I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland,” he wrote.

The former governor’s remarks are expected to stir continued debate in political and civic circles over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system and the role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic values.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling now settled, Senator Monday Okpebholo continues his tenure as governor, while the PDP and its supporters reflect on what many within the party view as a lost mandate and missed opportunity for reform.