Edo Politics: APC Responds To Obaseki’s Inauguration Snub Claim

The All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee has explained that outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was not invited to the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the state’s new governor due to his alleged...CONTINUE READING…

attempts to disrupt the transition process.

Okpebholo, the APC candidate, emerged victorious in the 2024 governorship election and will succeed Obaseki, whose two terms end on November 12, 2024.

In a statement issued by Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, it was alleged that instead of facilitating the inauguration, Obaseki was actively creating obstacles. The statement, titled “Obaseki and His Lamentations,” criticized the outgoing governor for allegedly impeding the smooth transfer of power.

Afegbua dismissed claims made by Obaseki, including accusations that the governor-elect had borrowed between ₦2 billion and ₦5 billion from the state’s project funds to cover inauguration costs, describing them as “laughable” and “self-indicting.”

The APC also refuted Obaseki’s claim that funds were being misused for an extravagant ceremony, emphasizing that no such funds had been borrowed. Afegbua noted that the governor-elect had personally taken responsibility for financing the inauguration, ensuring it would be modest and focused on the welfare of Edo’s people, not on lavish displays.

The APC transition committee further criticized Obaseki for demanding an inauguration budget, which they rejected, and for failing to cooperate with the transition process. They accused the outgoing administration of obstructing the new government and questioned the state of governance, citing the alleged misappropriation of government vehicles.

Afegbua reiterated that the APC’s focus was on ensuring a fair and smooth transition, contrasting their approach with what they saw as the outgoing government’s attempts to frustrate the process.