Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of taking on significant debt—between N2 billion and N5 billion—to finance the upcoming inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor. Okpebholo, who defeated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo in the September election, is scheduled to be sworn in on November 12, 2024.
Speaking during the inauguration of a new caretaker committee for the state’s PDP chapter on Friday, Obaseki expressed dismay that his administration was not consulted or invited to the inauguration. He also criticized the APC’s spending decisions, claiming that nearly N27 billion he allocated for existing projects and financial obligations is being quickly depleted by the incoming administration.
“They are going to borrow money for an inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion,” Obaseki said. “That is the money they will first take from the treasury… It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new state.”
Governor Obaseki further assured PDP members that he would remain an active supporter of the party, and he vowed to fight for what he described as the party’s “stolen mandate.” He framed this battle as not only for Edo but for the future of Nigerian democracy. “If we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria,” he stated.
PDP’s candidate Ighodalo echoed Obaseki’s concerns, urging party members to prepare for a “tough battle” in contesting the election results. He revealed that both parties are set to submit replies to each other’s petitions in the coming weeks, with the main hearing anticipated to start by late November.
In response, the APC recently accused the outgoing administration of fiscal misconduct. According to an APC statement, of the N24.6 billion recently deposited into Edo’s accounts, about N14 billion was allegedly withdrawn by Obaseki’s administration in just one week. The APC further claimed that Obaseki bypassed due process, having gained approval for three supplementary budgets in 2024, with the most recent—a N450 billion allocation—approved on the eve of the September election.
As tensions rise between the outgoing and incoming administrations, Edo’s political landscape faces ongoing scrutiny from both party supporters and the broader public.
