The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar have hailed the court judgement in favour of Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki in the certificate forgery case brought against him by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one of its members, Edobor Williams.
Justice Ahmed Mohammed of the Federal High Court, Abuja on Saturday ruled that the plaintiffs failed to prove their claim that Obaseki forged the academic certificates that he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the September 19, 2019 governorship election in the state.
The presiding judge held that the plaintiffs did not do due diligence of cross-checking the credentials with the University of Ibadan and the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the two institutions that issued the certificates they claimed Obaseki forged.
Reacting to the court judgement, Atiku said, “I congratulate Governor Obaseki for his victory in the frivolous suit brought against him for certificate forgery.
“Kudos to our great party, and the good people of Edo State for standing firmly by the governor, and protecting their electoral mandate from being torpedoed by anti-democratic forces.”
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The PDP also hailed the court judgement, describing it as the “triumph of justice”.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hails the judgment of the High Court, which upheld the qualification and election of Edo state Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“The party describes the verdict of the court as triumph of justice, victory for democracy and a seal on Governor Obaseki’s landslide victory as the clear choice of the people at the September 19, 2020 governorship election.
“Indeed, the instant jubilation on the streets of Edo state at the news of the judgment is a resounding testimony that justice has been upheld and that Governor Obaseki’s election was in line with the wishes and aspiration of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo state.
“Unarguably, Governor Obaseki was reelected because of his manifest patriotism and dedication to duty as demonstrated in his unwavering zeal towards the development of his state and the empowerment of his people.
“The PDP commends the judiciary for upholding justice on the case and urged Governor Obaseki to continue in his selfless service to the people; for which the party and its elected and appointed public officers are known across the country and beyond.”