Former national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and two-time governor of Edo, Adams Oshiomhole, has begged Governor Godwin Obaseki to be magnanimous in victory after the Supreme Court verdict.

In a congratulatory message to the governor on his victory at the Supreme Court on Monday, Mr Oshiomhole said the rift between him and Mr Obaseki was an unfortunate incident which he has forgotten.

Mr Oshiomhole also begged Mr Obaseki to be fair to everyone in the state regardless of political affiliations.

“Congratulation on your victory at the Supreme Court, which has effectively laid to rest all matters arising from the last election,” Mr Oshiomhole said.

He added, “As I had repeatedly reminded you during our several meetings, our relationship has through the years developed beyond being friends to brothers of different parents.”

He also advised Mr Obaseki to be “magnanimous in victory,” adding that the Edo governor should govern the state as the leader of all Edo people regardless of political leanings.

On Friday, the Supreme Court dismissed the certificate forgery suit filed against Mr Obaseki by the APC and its co-appellant for lack of merit.

In June 2020, Mr Oshiomhole sanctioned the disqualification of Mr Obaseki from the party’s governorship primary election.

The screening panel said it disqualified Mr Obaseki after discovering irregularities in his university certificate.

The disqualification climaxed a lingering rift between Mr Obaseki and Mr Oshiomhole.

“Whatever happened is unfortunate,” said Mr Oshiomhole, adding, “please accept the renewed assurances of my very best wishes and high regards.”

However, the governor, after his disqualification, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party. He won the party’s gubernatorial ticket and eventually won reelection.