The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has said that his administration is leaving behind a debt of almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations.

Obaseki, who disclosed this at the inauguration of 10-man caretaker committee members of the State’s PDP in Benin City on Friday, however, alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is borrowing between N2 billion and N5 billion to finance the inauguration of the new governor.

Recall that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the APC, who defeated the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the State, would be sworn in on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Obaseki on Friday, November 8, 2024, dissolved his cabinet ahead of the inauguration.

“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception.

“We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury”, he said.

Speaking further, Obaseki assured the people that he would not be far away from the party as he would never leave the party but would remain to give advice.

He also assured the party’s chieftains and faithful that the party would reclaim its stolen mandate.

“We will get our stolen mandate back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria.

This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy”, he added.

Also speaking, Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate at the September 21, 2024 governorship election, however, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.

“We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition.

This will take us to about the 19th of November, 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.

“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times, we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate”, he stated.