* APC kicks, vows to challenge judgment
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Saturday, dismissed forgery suit brought against Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one of its chieftains, Mr. Williams Edobor.
The plaintiffs had dragged Obaseki to court alleging that he forged the University of Ibadan (UI) certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in aid of his qualification for the September 19, 2020 governorship election in Edo State.
Sued alongside Obaseki were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and INEC.
The trial judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed, in a judgment on Saturday dismissed the suit on the ground that the Plaintiffs failed to prove the forgery allegation against governor Obaseki beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lauded the judgment, describing it as a triumph of justice.
Reacting to the judgment in Abuja on Saturday, the party also said the affirmation of the governor’s qualification and the subsequent election is a victory for democracy and a seal on Obaseki’s landslide victory as the clear choice of the people at the September 19, 2020 governorship election.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said: “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.
For the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-South and immediate past Chairman of the party in Edo State, Chief Dan Orbih, “the verdict affirms the mandate of the Edo People in the September 19, 2020 governorship in Edo State”
But the former Publicity Secretary of the APC in the State, Comrade Godwin Erhahon, said the party is dissatisfied with the judgment.
“As a law-abiding party, we have indicated our intention to appeal. However it goes and wherever it ends, we will ensure stability and peace in our State. We are not satisfied and we have indicated our intention to appeal,” Erhahon said.