Obaseki, Ighodalo Lament ‘Robbery’ in Edo Gubernatorial Election After Supreme Court Verdict

By Emmanuel Kwada

On July 10, 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered its final verdict on the contentious September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, affirming the victory of the ruling party’s candidate as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The court dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, ruling that the appellants failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate claims of electoral manipulation and irregularities.

STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING pic.twitter.com/hP1Y02xJ9t

— H. E. Godwin Obaseki (@GovernorObaseki) July 10, 2025

The justices emphasized that the election substantially complied with the provisions of the Electoral Act, thereby validating the earlier decisions of the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which had similarly dismissed the PDP’s petitions.

This ruling has sparked intense reactions, with former Governor Godwin Obaseki and Ighodalo labeling the election a “robbery” and criticizing the judicial validation of the results as a blow to Nigeria’s democratic process.

In a detailed statement, Obaseki expressed profound gratitude to the people of Edo State and Nigerians for their unwavering support throughout his tenure as governor from 2016 to 2024 and during the recent election campaign.

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

He asserted that the PDP, led by Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, had secured victory in the election, based on the will of the electorate. However, Obaseki lamented that the results were manipulated, prompting the PDP to seek legal redress.

He stated, “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.”

Despite his strong disagreement with the Supreme Court’s decision, Obaseki underscored his commitment to the rule of law, noting, “Although we strongly disagree with the decision of the Supreme Court, as adherents to the rule of law, we are bound by their verdict.”

Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end

Obaseki warned that the judicial validation of what he described as a manipulated election poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

He cautioned that such outcomes could erode public trust in the electoral and judicial systems, urging the people of Edo State to persist in their struggle to redeem the state. As a man of faith, he entrusted the matter to divine justice, expressing hope that truth would ultimately prevail.

In a separate address, Asue Ighodalo echoed Obaseki’s sentiments, describing the election as a “coordinated, deliberate, and now tragically validated by the highest court in the land” robbery.

He expressed disappointment that the Supreme Court, as the final arbiter, upheld the results despite what he claimed were glaring irregularities.

Acknowledging the finality of the court’s judgment, Ighodalo remained defiant, stating, “Though this painful chapter closes today, our beautiful story does not end.”

PDP Candidate, Asue Ighodalo

He vowed to continue speaking truth to power and called on those in authority to govern with humility, integrity, and conscience. Ighodalo also praised the resilience of Edo’s people, noting a newfound unity among them despite the electoral loss. He concluded his address with blessings for Edo State and Nigeria, emphasizing hope for a better future.

The Supreme Court’s ruling has elicited polarized reactions across Nigeria. Supporters of the PDP have decried the verdict as a significant setback for democracy, arguing that it legitimizes electoral flaws and undermines the will of the people.

They contend that the court’s failure to address alleged manipulations sets a dangerous precedent for future elections. Conversely, the ruling party has hailed the decision as a triumph of justice, maintaining that it upholds the true will of the Edo electorate as expressed through the ballot.16:23

The Supreme Court’s decision marks the end of the legal battle over the 2024 Edo governorship election, but it has left lingering tensions and unresolved grievances

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