Obaseki Alleges APC Borrowed N5 Billion to Fund Okpebholo’s Inauguration

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki claims that the APC borrowed N5 billion to finance Okpebholo’s inauguration. Discover the details behind the allegation and the political reactions surrounding it.

Godwin Obaseki, the outgoing Governor of Edo State, has claimed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is borrowing between ₦2 billion and ₦5 billion to fund the inauguration of the incoming governor.

Obaseki revealed this information during the inauguration of a 10-member caretaker committee for the State’s PDP in Benin City on Friday. However, he expressed disappointment that the outgoing administration was neither involved nor invited to participate in the event.

It has been reported that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate who won against PDP’s Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the State, is set to be sworn-in on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

He claimed that the incoming government has begun using nearly N27 billion, which was allocated by his administration for project payments and other obligations.

During this holiday season, they aim to spend as much money as possible in order to create confusion among the people. They will face challenges in altering their image.

We have nearly N27 billion designated for projects and obligations, but they’ve already started spending it. Additionally, they have borrowed money to cover the inauguration expenses, which are estimated to be between N2 and N5 billion. This is likely the first amount they’ll withdraw from the treasury.

“They’re holding an inauguration and haven’t even invited the governor. It’s as if they’re launching a completely new government and state,” he remarked.

Continuing his remarks, Obaseki promised the people that he would stay connected to the party and never depart from it but would always be available for giving advice.

He also assured the party’s leaders and loyal members that they would recover their stolen mandate.

“We must reclaim our stolen mandate for the benefit of Nigeria. Allowing APC to retain it would signify the end of democracy in our country.”

“This battle is not solely for our candidate; it’s for the people of Nigeria and the integrity of our nation’s democracy,” he remarked.

Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate for the September 21, 2024 governorship election, also spoke and urged the party to prepare for a challenging battle ahead as they strive to reclaim their stolen mandate.

We anticipate receiving their response to our petition next week. Additionally, we have five days to respond to their petition.

This will bring us to approximately November 19, 2024. Following that, we will begin what’s known as the pre-hearing prior to the main hearing which might commence by late November.

READ ALSO: Obaseki Declares He’s Not Afraid of the EFCC

“Our lawyers are actively preparing to respond to their petition. These are challenging times, and we must remain steadfast and resilient as we work towards reclaiming our stolen mandate,” he remarked.

In a recent statement, the State chapter of APC claimed that from the N24.6 billion deposited into Edo State Government’s account, an astonishing N14 billion was embezzled by the outgoing government within just one week.

The party further claimed that Governor Obaseki had pursued and obtained approval for three supplementary budgets since January 2024, without adhering to the proper procedures for fiscal responsibility.

The most recent supplementary budget, a N450 billion allocation, was passed by the State House of Assembly on the eve of the gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21, 2024.

The outgoing administration’s push for several supplementary budgets in such a short timeframe raises suspicions about the true intent behind these significant allocations.

Reports indicate that nearly 2 trillion Naira was squandered during his tenure.

“This staggering amount calls for explanations. The people of Edo deserve to know how these resources have been used and why their future has been compromised by an outgoing administration seemingly intent on depleting the state’s finances before exiting office,” the statement declared.