The All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee has clarified that outgoing Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki was not invited to the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo due to his purported attempts to disrupt the event.
Okpebholo, the APC’s candidate, emerged victorious in the 2024 governorship election and is set to take over from Governor Obaseki, whose two terms will conclude on November 12, 2024. He won against his nearest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other candidates during the election held on September 21, 2024.
Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, released a statement titled “Obaseki and His Lamentations” in Benin City, where he criticized the outgoing governor for allegedly trying to hinder the transition process.
Afegbua accused Obaseki of not focusing on the inauguration preparations, as is customary, but rather of creating obstacles that could impede a smooth power transfer.
In response to Obaseki’s claims that the governor-elect had borrowed between ₦2 billion and ₦5 billion from the state’s ₦27 billion reserve for project payments, the APC committee dismissed the accusations as “laughable” and “self-indicting,” attributing such statements to the PDP’s electoral defeat.
During a PDP event the previous Friday, Obaseki had expressed concern that the inauguration might cost between ₦2 billion and ₦5 billion, implying that funds were being misallocated for an extravagant ceremony, while also voicing his frustration over his lack of an invitation.
The APC transition committee countered that Obaseki’s assertions were unfounded, emphasizing that, traditionally, outgoing leaders organize the inaugurations of their successors. They claimed that Obaseki’s actions were aimed at complicating the transition process.
The committee also accused him of imposing unnecessary demands, such as requesting an inauguration budget, which they refused to provide. Afegbua further noted that the governor-elect would personally fund the inauguration, ensuring it remains modest and centered on the needs of Edo State’s citizens rather than extravagant displays.
He reiterated that no funds had been borrowed for the inauguration, affirming the new administration’s commitment to responsible financial management.
“Suddenly, Godwin Obaseki acknowledges the fleeting nature of power and resorts to complaints about an inauguration he wasn’t invited to. We find this situation both amusing and self-incriminating,” Afegbua stated.
“In other countries, outgoing governors or presidents typically oversee the inauguration of their successors. However, due to the PDP’s unfortunate loss in the elections, Governor Obaseki and his associates are attempting to obstruct the new governor’s inauguration.
“Instead of planning the inauguration in a manner consistent with global standards, Governor Obaseki is setting traps that could complicate the transfer of power.
“Despite our efforts for collaboration, we have faced nothing but frustration and deliberate attempts to burden the new administration with problematic decisions,” he added.
Afegbua also raised concerns regarding the alleged misappropriation of government assets, claiming that many official vehicles had been taken by departing officials, leaving only one operational vehicle at the Edo State Government House.
He concluded by questioning the motives of a government allowing such actions and called for a fair and smooth transition as the new administration prepares to take charge.
