Governor Godwin Obaseki has revealed his administration’s outstanding debt of almost ₦27 billion for projects and obligations.
Cyber Reporters reports that this announcement was made at the inauguration of Edo State’s Peoples Democratic Party, 10-man PDP caretaker committee in Benin City.
The governor-elect, Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, is set to take office on November 12, 2024, after defeating PDP’s Asue Ighodalo.
Obaseki dissolved his cabinet ahead of the transition, citing the need for a smooth handover.
He warned that the incoming administration would struggle to change the perception of debt after his exit.
Additionally, Obaseki alleged that the APC is borrowing heavily to finance Okpebholo’s inauguration, estimating the cost at ₦2-5 billion.
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Obaseki reassured PDP members that he would remain involved and offer guidance, vowing the party would reclaim its “stolen mandate.”
He said:
“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.
“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.”
