The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja dismissed a case filed by the Action Alliance (AA) on Wednesday, which sought to annul the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the petition, filed alongside the party’s National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, was without merit.
The tribunal determined that the petition raised pre-election issues, which it did not have the authority to address. The petitioners argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had excluded their legitimate candidate in the September 21, 2024 governorship election, and claimed that INEC had recognized a candidate not validly nominated by the party, contrary to several court rulings.
The petitioners further contended that INEC’s failure to publish their rightful candidate’s name for the election violated section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act. Additionally, they alleged that Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had not secured the majority of lawful votes and that the election was marred by corruption. They sought the annulment of the election, but the tribunal rejected their request.
The tribunal also upheld all preliminary objections raised by the respondents, including INEC and Governor Okpebholo. The respondents had argued that AA’s National Chairman lacked the legal standing to file the petition since he did not participate in the election. They also maintained that the petition was time-barred and involved pre-election issues outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction.
It is worth noting that AA’s candidate, Mr. Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, had withdrawn from the race in favor of Governor Okpebholo just days before the election.
