The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are gearing up for a legal showdown as the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal begins hearings today, Monday, over petitions challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the election, with Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP finishing as the first runner-up.
However, Ighodalo and the PDP rejected the results, alleging electoral malpractice and manipulation, leading them to file a petition at the tribunal.
Ahead of the tribunal’s pre-hearing, the PDP Caretaker Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, called for a fair and thorough examination of the evidence.
He stated, “We expect the judiciary to look at the case impartially and make a decision based on the overwhelming evidence we have, which shows the election was stolen.”
Aziegbemi expressed confidence that the tribunal would deliver justice, adding that the PDP’s legal team would present strong evidence to support their claims.
Meanwhile, the APC Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, expressed confidence in his party’s legal team, saying they were fully prepared to defend the election result.
“We are ready to meet them in court and expose any actions by the PDP that could be prejudicial to the case,” he stated.
He also reiterated that the APC believed the tribunal members had proven integrity and would uphold the law impartially.
Uwadiae-Igbinigie added, “We have responded to the petition, and the people of Edo will soon see that the PDP’s influence in the state has waned, while the APC government is committed to improving the lives of Edo citizens.”
INEC had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata, who received 22,763 votes.
In addition to the PDP, six other political parties, including the Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, and Allied Peoples Movement, have also approached the tribunal to contest the election results.
The tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, will hear seven separate petitions, with the PDP seeking to have Ighodalo declared the rightful winner.
