Hundreds of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters, market women, and other well-wishers were denied access to the Edo State Government House on Friday during celebrations marking Governor Monday Okpebholo's Supreme Court victory.
The supporters, who had gathered since early morning to welcome the governor, were reportedly barred from entering the premises by security operatives who claimed they were acting on instructions from authorities.
BenriNews recalls that the Supreme Court had on Thursday validated the decisions of both the Election Petition Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, which upheld Okpebholo as the rightful winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Following the landmark judgment, jubilant APC members and supporters assembled at the Benin Airport as early as 7:00 am to welcome the governor back to the state. The crowd waited patiently until about 12:40 pm when the governor's aircraft finally touched down.
Carried by the euphoria of victory, many supporters who lacked transportation joined the governor's convoy on foot in a celebratory road procession that lasted approximately an hour, eventually arriving at the Edo State Government House.
However, the jubilant mood quickly soured when security personnel prevented the supporters from entering the Government House with the governor, leaving many stunned and disappointed.
One supporter, who identified herself only as Mrs. Omogiate, expressed her disappointment, saying they were informed by security operatives that only Very Important Personalities (VIPs) would be allowed into the Government House for refreshments.
"Even in the worst moments of ex-governor Godwin Obaseki, supporters and members were not shabbily treated like this," she lamented.
Another supporter, speaking on condition of anonymity, voiced frustration at what they perceived as abandonment after the victory: "They have won now, and they have decided to build a wall around themselves. I left my house before 7:00 am for the airport and stood under the sun for hours before the arrival of the governor. We engaged in a road show with him till we got to the Government House, only for us to be shut out. This is unfair."
The incident has raised questions about accessibility and inclusivity in the new administration, especially considering the significant role grassroots supporters played throughout the electoral process and subsequent legal battles.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the governor's office regarding the incident or the rationale behind restricting access to the celebration.
Stay updated with the latest political developments in Edo State and across Nigeria. Follow BenriNews on our social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Telegram.
