As Edo State prepares for a change in leadership, outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki has announced that his administration is leaving behind a N27 billion debt. According to Obaseki, this debt will cover unfinished projects and various commitments made by his government.
Obaseki shared this update during the inauguration of a new 10-member caretaker committee for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benin City. He also accused the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) administration of extravagant spending, claiming they are borrowing between N2 billion and N5 billion to fund the upcoming inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration will see Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate who defeated PDP’s Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 election, take office on November 12, 2024. Obaseki, in preparation for the transition, dissolved his cabinet on November 8, 2024.
In his remarks, Obaseki expressed disappointment over what he perceives as excessive inauguration spending by the APC. “They are borrowing money to fund an inauguration that will cost N2 billion to N5 billion, and that money will come from the state treasury,” he said.
Despite leaving office, Obaseki assured PDP supporters he would remain involved, staying close to the party and offering guidance. He expressed confidence that the PDP would regain what he referred to as its “stolen mandate,” saying, “This fight is for the people of Nigeria and the survival of our democracy.”
Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s recent gubernatorial candidate, encouraged party members to brace for a tough legal battle. He stated that the APC’s response to their petition is expected in the coming week, and a pre-hearing could begin by the end of November. “Our lawyers are working hard, and we’re ready to respond. Let’s stand strong together as we pursue what we believe is rightfully ours,” Ighodalo affirmed.
The transition in Edo State remains tense, with both parties standing firm in their positions. As the handover approaches, the debt and inauguration spending continue to fuel political debates in the state.
