The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to commence hearings on the petitions challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial poll. The election, which was declared in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has become a contentious legal battleground as opposition parties seek redress.
INEC announced that Okpebholo emerged victorious with 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, who polled 22,763 votes. The PDP, however, rejected the results, alleging electoral malpractices and manipulation. Alongside six other political parties, the PDP filed petitions before the tribunal, demanding a review of the election results.
At the core of the PDP’s petition is a request to nullify INEC’s declaration and to have Ighodalo declared the winner. Speaking on behalf of the party, Edo PDP Caretaker Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed confidence in the evidence presented. “Our lawyers will demonstrate that the election was stolen by the APC. We trust the judiciary to evaluate the overwhelming evidence dispassionately and deliver a judgment that reflects justice,” Aziegbemi stated.
On its part, the APC has expressed readiness to defend the mandate of its candidate. The party’s Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, noted the party’s confidence in the tribunal’s impartiality and the competence of its legal team. “We are prepared to challenge the PDP’s petition. We believe the tribunal, led by credible and impenetrable judges, will uphold the truth,” he said. He further criticized the PDP’s approach, claiming it reflects the party’s declining relevance in Edo State politics.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, will hear seven separate petitions, including cases filed by the Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, and Allied Peoples Movement. All petitioners have named INEC, Senator Okpebholo, and the APC as respondents.
The stakes are high as political watchers anticipate how the tribunal will handle the evidentiary and legal arguments presented by all parties. The outcome of this case could significantly influence Edo State’s political landscape and the credibility of its electoral processes.
As the legal battle unfolds, both APC and PDP have called on their supporters to remain calm and respect the tribunal’s eventual decision. This high-stakes tribunal promises to test the resilience of Nigeria’s judiciary in ensuring electoral justice.
