APC Explains Why Obaseki Was Excluded from Okpebholo’s Inauguration

The All Progressives Congress (APC) transition committee has clarified why outgoing Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, was not invited to the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor-elect. According to the committee, the exclusion was a result of the former governor’s actions to undermine the event and impede a smooth transition of power.

Senator Okpebholo, who emerged as the APC’s candidate, defeated his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the September 21, 2024 governorship election. Okpebholo is set to take office on November 12, 2024, replacing Governor Obaseki, who has served two terms in office.

Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, in a statement titled “Obaseki and his Lamentations,” accused the outgoing governor of deliberately planting obstacles to hinder the inauguration process. He emphasized that rather than cooperating in the planning of the transition, Governor Obaseki was attempting to frustrate the incoming administration.

Afegbua also addressed Obaseki’s claims that the governor-elect had borrowed between N2 billion and N5 billion from a fund reserved for project obligations to finance the inauguration. The APC committee refuted the allegations, describing them as “laughable and self-indicting.” They clarified that no such borrowing had occurred and that Okpebholo was funding the event personally, ensuring that the ceremony would be modest.

“We are not Governor Obaseki and his profligate self,” Afegbua stated, adding that the new administration was committed to responsible governance and prioritizing the well-being of Edo citizens. He also criticized the outgoing administration for alleged mismanagement, including the alleged removal of most government vehicles, leaving only one functional vehicle at the Edo State Government House.

The committee further highlighted that despite their cooperation, they faced unnecessary resistance from the outgoing administration. “From the transition to the inauguration committee, we have received nothing but frustration and deliberate efforts to burden the new administration,” Afegbua noted.

The APC’s response came after Governor Obaseki expressed his disappointment in not being invited to the inauguration, which he described as a “new government” event. He had earlier claimed that the incoming administration was planning to borrow funds for the inauguration, potentially misusing public resources.