Edo governor-elect Monday Okpebholo accuses outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of sabotaging the peaceful transfer of power. Obaseki’s claims about exclusion from the inauguration are countered by Okpebholo’s team, who allege Obaseki’s actions aim to frustrate the transition. Tensions rise as the governor’s tenure nears its end.
Monday Okpebholo, Edo governor-elect, has accused outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki of undermining the peaceful transfer of power in the state. As Obaseki's tenure is set to end on November 12, 2024, tensions have risen over the transition process, with Okpebholo's camp accusing Obaseki of deliberate efforts to frustrate the handover.
On Friday, Obaseki publicly stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party to which Okpebholo belongs, is planning the swearing-in ceremony of his successor without consulting the state government. He also claimed that the APC had not extended an invitation for him to attend the inauguration.
In response, Godspower Inegbe, media aide to Okpebholo, strongly rebutted Obaseki’s accusations. Inegbe alleged that Obaseki had used every available means to obstruct a smooth transition, claiming that Obaseki had neither congratulated Okpebholo on his electoral victory nor facilitated any meetings or tours of the government house.
“Since Okpebholo was declared the winner, Obaseki has employed every means to frustrate a peaceful transfer of power,” Inegbe said. He further called on Edo residents to disregard what he termed Obaseki's “reckless statements” and urged support for the incoming administration, promising to correct the shortcomings of Obaseki's governance.
Additionally, Obaseki had raised concerns that he might be arrested by anti-corruption agencies following the handover of power. Obaseki’s preferred successor in the September 21 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has announced plans to contest the election results in court.
As the final days of Obaseki’s tenure draw closer, the political climate in Edo State remains charged, with accusations of obstruction and sabotage complicating the transition process.
