Israel DMW Mocks Asue Ighodalo After Supreme Court Verdict Affirms APC’s Monday Okpebholo as Edo Governor
Israel DMW, the personal logistics manager to Nigerian music superstar Davido, has stirred reactions on social media after mocking Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Edo State, following his defeat at the Supreme Court.
On Thursday, Nigeria’s apex court upheld Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected Governor of Edo State, effectively ending the legal challenge mounted by the PDP.
Israel DMW Reacts: “Anointing No Dey Win Election for Naija”
Taking to his Instagram Stories shortly after the ruling, Israel DMW posted a throwback photo of Ighodalo being spiritually anointed by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo before the 2024 gubernatorial election. Alongside the image, he sarcastically wrote:
“Anointing no dey win election for Naija ooo.”
The statement quickly gained traction online, with many interpreting it as a dig at the perceived overreliance on spiritual endorsements rather than grassroots political strategy and electoral strength.
Godwin Obaseki Reacts to Supreme Court Ruling
Reacting to the verdict, former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki expressed deep disappointment. In a statement shared on his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account, Obaseki said the Supreme Court ruling was a “blow to democracy.”
He maintained that Asue Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, were the legitimate winners of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election. Obaseki also emphasized that the PDP had pursued the matter through all legal channels — from the Election Petition Tribunal to the Court of Appeal, and finally the Supreme Court — due to the party’s belief that the election process was marred by irregularities and manipulation.
“We believed strongly in the sanctity of the votes cast by our people and pursued justice through the courts with great hope,” Obaseki stated.
The Bigger Picture: Faith, Politics, and the Nigerian Electorate
Israel DMW’s controversial remark has reignited debates around the intersection of religion and politics in Nigeria. While spiritual endorsements are common and often symbolic, critics argue that elections are ultimately won through voter engagement, party structure, and effective mobilization, not just religious rituals.
As Edo State moves forward under the APC’s leadership, political analysts and observers continue to reflect on the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the importance of strategy, governance, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Subscribe to our blog for more gist and updates
Page manager
