ABUJA—The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja is set to deliver its judgment today on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, informed the parties of the judgment date early yesterday.
The panel had reserved its verdict on March 3 after all parties adopted their final briefs of argument. The petitioners are contesting the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who polled 247,655 votes.
Dissatisfied with the result, the PDP and Ighodalo approached the tribunal, alleging substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022. In their petition, marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, they argued that Governor Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of lawful votes. They also accused INEC of failing to properly serialize and pre-record some sensitive materials used in the election, which they claim enabled manipulation in favor of the APC candidate.
During their final submission, the petitioners, through their lead counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), argued that there was a miscalculation of results in 765 polling units across the state. They contended that votes were manipulated at collation centers and cited instances where figures were allegedly inflated. Urging the tribunal to nullify Okpebholo’s Certificate of Return and declare Ighodalo the rightful winner, they insisted they had provided sufficient evidence to support their claims.
In response, INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition for lack of merit. INEC’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), argued that the petitioners’ claims were contradictory, as they simultaneously sought to invalidate the election while asking to be declared winners. Governor Okpebholo’s lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), described the case as an academic exercise, stating that allegations of over-voting could not be proven without the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. Similarly, APC counsel Emmanuel Ukala (SAN) maintained that the petitioners failed to meet the legal burden of proof.
Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo has called for peace and unity ahead of the judgment. He urged his supporters and all residents of Edo State to remain calm and respect the tribunal’s decision, emphasizing that democracy and progress should take precedence over political differences. Expressing confidence in the judiciary, he assured citizens of his commitment to the state’s development.
