Obaseki Expresses Disappointment Over Lack Of Invitation To Successor’s Inauguration, Alleges Excessive Borrowing for Inauguration Costs

… APC’s Response to Obaseki’s Claims

BENIN, EDO STATE, NIGERIA – Edo State’s outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki, voiced his disappointment at not being invited by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the inauguration of the incoming governor, Monday Okpebholo, scheduled for November 12, 2024.

Obaseki claimed that the APC has borrowed between N2 billion and N5 billion to finance the Governor-elect’s swearing-in ceremony.

He shared these concerns during an event in Benin for the inauguration of the caretaker committee for the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Obaseki, the borrowed funds, which he believes could have been used for critical obligations, would instead be used for the inauguration, adding, “They have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration.”

Expressing frustration at the APC’s exclusion of his administration from the inauguration plans, Obaseki commented, “They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new state.”

In his address to PDP members, Obaseki reassured them of his ongoing support and involvement with the party even after his tenure.

He vowed to help reclaim what he considers the party’s “stolen mandate,” underscoring that the fight is not just for PDP’s candidate but for the preservation of democracy in Nigeria.

Prince Kassim Afegbua, a member of the APC transition committee, dismissed Obaseki’s allegations, questioning why the outgoing administration had not taken charge of organizing the inauguration event.

“Does it make sense that somebody coming in is the one who will organize his own event?” Afegbua remarked, asserting that the incoming administration had no choice but to plan the inauguration independently.