Former Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has expressed deep disappointment over the Supreme Court’s ruling on Thursday, which affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State. The decision, delivered by a five-member panel led by Justice Lawal Garba, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account shortly after the judgment, Obaseki thanked the people of Edo State and Nigerians at large for their support during the legal process. He maintained that the PDP candidate, Ighodalo, and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the rightful winners of 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 stated.

Obaseki said the party had pursued its case through all legitimate legal channels from the Election Petition Tribunal to the Court of Appeal, and ultimately to the Supreme Court based on their belief that the election was marred by irregularities and manipulation.

“But unfortunately, and most surprisingly, all the courts have ruled against us,” he noted, adding that while he disagrees strongly with the Supreme Court’s decision, he respects the rule of law.

“Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict,” Obaseki said.

However, he issued a stark warning about the implications of the judgment, describing the entire process from the conduct of the election to the legal validation as a potential threat to Nigeria’s democratic future.

“We 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 warned.

He concluded his remarks with a message of hope and resilience, urging supporters to remain steadfast in their pursuit of 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,” Obaseki said. “I encourage our people to keep hope alive as we persist in the struggle to redeem our fatherland.”

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court upheld Okpebholo’s election, ruling that the PDP and its candidate failed to prove their allegations of over-voting, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and other irregularities. Justice Garba stated that Ighodalo’s legal team challenged results from only 395 out of 4,519 polling units and presented 19 witnesses whose testimonies did not substantiate the claims.

The decision marks the final legal resolution of the Edo 2024 governorship election, cementing Okpebholo’s victory and extending the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s hold on the state.