Okpebholo, Obaseki, Ighodalo react to Supreme Court ruling
By John Ewah
Mixed reactions have trailed the recent Supreme Court ruling on the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State, both from political players and members of the public.
Worthy of note are those stemming from the desks of the incumbent Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, the immediate past Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the last poll, Asue Ighodalo.
While reacting to the verdict, the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Mr. Fred Ituah, who in a statement, conveyed the Governor’s gratitude to the judiciary and also to the people of the State for their unflinching support, patience, and faith in democracy, said that the judgement signaled a new chapter of unity, inclusiveness and accelerated development in the State.
According to him, the judgement “is a solemn reaffirmation of the sacred mandate freely given by the people of Edo State.”
He asserted that Governor Monday Okpebholo has renewed his vow to lead with humility, compassion, and accountability, while extending an olive branch to all his opponents and members of the opposition. “The elections are over; the real work of governance and healing must begin”, he said.
On his part, the immediate past Governor of the State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, while appreciating citizens of the State and Nigerians for their overwhelming support for the PDP, its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, argued that though the judiciary may have given validation to the election, he is convinced that the election results were manipulated.
“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”, Obaseki said.
He noted that while one may disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, as adherents to the rule of law, one is bound by its verdict, cautioning however, that the development portends grave danger for Nigeria’s democracy.
Also responding to the verdict, the PDP candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, disclosed that though he accepts the finality of the Supreme Court judgement, he cannot pretend to accept it as justice, but will however not relent in his effort to ensure a better Edo.
”The struggle to reclaim the soul of our beloved state continues. Yes, dark days may lie ahead. The weight of this illegitimacy will, unfortunately, echo beyond the halls of the Supreme Court. I fear Edo will feel it in the absence of leadership, in the poverty of policy, and in the daily suffering of her people”, Ighodalo stated.
He further noted that the people, though wounded, are neither fearful nor broken, as all wounds heal. “History sees what the court may not, and one day, will deliver its own verdict”, he concluded.
He further counselled the incumbent Governor to lead with humility and govern with conscience.
