The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has adjourned the hearing of the petition filed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) until January 15, 2025. The adjournment follows an application by the lead counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo, requesting a postponement of proceedings.
The petition challenges the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State. Ighodalo and the PDP are contesting INEC’s declaration, which showed Okpebholo securing 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo who garnered 247,274 votes.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had initially adjourned the hearing to January 13, 2025, after concluding pre-hearing sessions. However, on January 13, 2025, the tribunal’s Assistant Secretary, Dayo Dahunsi, informed the court of a pending application from the respondents, seeking an adjournment to Wednesday.
The adjournment was requested due to the lead counsel for the respondents being scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, for a matter set for a definite hearing. The petitioners’ counsel, Oladipo Oshinowo, did not oppose the adjournment, but stated that no further such requests should be made by the respondents in the future.
