“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.
According to Obaseki, the PDP had pursued all available legal remedies—from the Election Petition Tribunal to the Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court—driven by a firm belief that the election results were manipulated.
“But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us,” he lamented.
Despite his disapproval of the apex court’s decision, Obaseki affirmed his respect for the rule of law, noting that the party was bound by the judgment, however disagreeable.
“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.”
Obaseki, however, issued a stern warning about the broader implications of the court’s endorsement of the election outcome, suggesting it could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.
“We want to caution that the iconic manner in whichthe Edo election was manipulated, coupled with the judicial validation it has received, portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.”
He concluded his remarks on a spiritual and hopeful note, calling on supporters to remain resilient and trusting in divine justice.
“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.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the legitimate winner of the 2024 governorship election in Edo State. A five-member panel led by Justice Lawal Garba unanimously dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP’s candidate, Dr Asue Ighodalo, on grounds of lack of merit.
The court held that Ighodalo’s legal team failed to provide compelling evidence of electoral irregularities. Of the 4,519 polling units in the state, the petition challenged results in only 395 units. Furthermore, only 19 witnesses were presented, whose testimonies, according to the court, did not substantiate the claims of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
“The appellants failed to provide sufficient and credible evidence to warrant the nullification of the election,” Justice Garba said, affirming the rulings of both the tribunal and the appellate court.
With this ruling, Senator Okpebholo remains the duly recognised Governor of Edo State, having secured a final legal seal on his mandate.
