The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State recently clarified its decision not to invite outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki to the inauguration ceremony of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected governor. The APC transition committee, led by Prince Kassim Afegbua, stated that Obaseki was omitted due to alleged efforts to disrupt the inauguration.
Following his victory over PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo and other contenders in the September election, Okpebholo is set to replace Obaseki, whose second term concludes on November 12, 2024. Afegbua accused Obaseki of focusing on “planting landmines” instead of facilitating a smooth transition.
Obaseki recently claimed that funds were being borrowed from the state treasury for the inauguration, ranging from N2 billion to N5 billion, which he argued should be used for public projects. The APC transition committee dismissed these claims, affirming that Okpebholo funded the event personally and planned a modest ceremony, contrasting with Obaseki’s “profligate” practices.
Afegbua raised additional concerns, alleging that state government vehicles had been taken by officials, leaving only one functional vehicle in the Edo Government House.
