The struggle for mandate restoration and the mirage of APC governance in Edo State

By Dr. Marshall Odede

The unfolding political drama in Edo State continues to captivate its citizens as the first tribunal hearing for the gubernatorial election petition takes center stage.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, accompanied by the State Party Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Aziegbemhi, and a robust team of legal experts, has made a powerful debut in court, signaling a determined quest to reclaim what they believe is a stolen mandate.

This legal confrontation has become emblematic of a broader national crisis of governance, democracy, and trust in the judiciary.

The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government under Senator Monday Okpebholo, which currently wields power in Edo State and at the federal level, has faced significant criticism for what many describe as its reliance on “the powers from the center” rather than genuine public support.

The term “Amilokun syndrome,” often associated with a sense of entitlement to power, has come to symbolize the APC’s approach to leadership.

The Mirage of APC Governance

The emergence of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu remains a sore point for many Nigerians.

With an election process marred by irregularities and a compromised Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency represents, to critics, a triumph of systemic failure over the will of 128 million voters.

The courts, seen by some as complicit in the electoral outcome, are now under intense scrutiny as they deliberate on cases that could redefine Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.

In Edo State, this backdrop of national disillusionment has fueled a wave of hope among PDP supporters, who have coined hashtags such as #AsueIghodalo, #ThePeoplesGovernor, and #ReturnOurMandate to amplify their message.

For them, this legal battle is not just about a governorship—it is about restoring faith in democracy and the judiciary.

A State on Edge

As the tribunal proceedings continue at the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, the state remains in a tense state of anticipation.

Both PDP and APC supporters await the court’s judgment, which will either validate the status quo or signal a significant political shift.

While PDP supporters rally around Asue Ighodalo, hoping for justice, the APC relies heavily on its federal backing and political machinations to maintain its grip on power.

This uncertainty is exacerbated by the lingering effects of systemic deprivation and hunger among the populace.

Many citizens who accepted “Greek gifts” during the election—tokens of relief amidst widespread poverty—now find themselves questioning the legitimacy of their choices.

The economic reforms touted by President Tinubu have done little to assuage these concerns, as the nation grapples with inflation, unemployment, and an eroding sense of security.

The Battle for Trust in the Judiciary

Supporters of Asue Ighodalo view this case as a litmus test for Nigeria’s judiciary.

Will the courts rise above political interference to deliver a fair judgment?

Or will they perpetuate a cycle of injustice that further erodes public trust?

These questions loom large as the tribunal progresses.

The slogan, “a fight to finish,” resonates among PDP loyalists who believe that a favorable ruling for Ighodalo could set a precedent for accountability and transparency in Nigerian politics.

Conversely, APC stalwarts remain confident in their ability to retain power, drawing on a narrative of continuity and federal support.

A Glimpse into the Courtroom

The courtroom atmosphere is charged, with Asue Ighodalo and Monday okpebholo, the APC candidate, preparing to slug it out in what promises to be a landmark case.

For now, the spotlight is on the legal arguments and the judiciary’s ability to navigate this contentious political terrain.

Conclusion

The stakes in Edo State could not be higher.

As citizens, political observers, and stakeholders await the tribunal’s judgment, one thing is clear: the outcome will reverberate far beyond Edo, shaping the nation’s political landscape and the public’s faith in democratic institutions.

For PDP supporters, the hope is not just to restore a mandate but to ignite a broader movement for justice and accountability.

For the APC, it is a test of its ability to govern amidst growing discontent.

In the end, the people of Edo and Nigeria at large will either find renewed hope in their institutions or face deeper disillusionment.

The coming weeks will reveal whether this is a moment of transformation or a continuation of the status quo.

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