Aisha Yesufu Governor Obaseki’s Objection to Edo Governorship Election Results

Socio-political activist Aisha Yesufu has sharply criticized Governor Godwin Obaseki for expressing dissatisfaction with the results of the Edo State governorship election, where Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) emerged victorious.

On Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo the winner, having secured 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party (LP) candidate Olumide Akpata managed only 18,737 votes.

The election saw Okpebholo win 11 local government areas, while Ighodalo claimed victory in 7. Akpata did not secure a win in any local government area.

In a surprise move, Obaseki visited the INEC collation center in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly to get firsthand information about the results. However, he was escorted out by police led by Deputy Inspector General Frank Mbah.

Reacting to Obaseki’s protest, Yesufu took to X (formerly Twitter), questioning the governor’s commitment to democratic principles. She pointed out Obaseki’s refusal to swear in 14 Edo House of Assembly members, his failure to fully appoint judges, and the impeachment of his deputy governor.

Yesufu sarcastically remarked, “Obaseki, who refused to swear in 14 assembly members and 8 judges, is now concerned about democracy under attack.”