The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has officially announced its relocation from Benin City to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Starting from January 27, 2025, the Tribunal will now hold its proceedings at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, as stated in a notice signed by the Tribunal Secretary, Mu’azu Ibrahim Bagudu, Esq.
The communication, dated January 24, 2025, did not provide specific reasons for the relocation.
The notice read: “I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27th January 2025.”
In response to the relocation, Mr. John Mayaki, former Chief Press Secretary to Edo State’s ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed support for the move.
Mayaki welcomed the decision, stating that it would help ensure the safety of the Tribunal members, litigants, and electoral materials presented as evidence.
“It is common practice for election petition tribunals to be relocated when necessary. Similar moves have been made for tribunals in states like Ebonyi, Adamawa, Osun, Rivers, Kogi, and Ekiti,” Mayaki noted.
He further added that the relocation would help maintain neutrality and security during the proceedings.
“This decision reflects a commitment to fairness, justice, and impartiality, free from local pressures that could undermine the election petition process,” Mayaki concluded.