The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to begin pre-hearing on Monday in Benin, focusing on challenges to the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Tribunal Secretary Muazu Bagudu confirmed that the pre-hearing will start as scheduled, confirming that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with other political parties, is contesting the election result declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Okpebholo was declared the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who received 247,274 votes.
The PDP, supported by six other parties, is seeking to have the results overturned, filing seven separate petitions before the tribunal. The petitions include requests to declare Ighodalo as the rightful winner.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, will hear the cases filed by parties like the Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party, all challenging Okpebholo’s victory.
The PDP’s Caretaker Chairman in Edo, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed confidence that the tribunal would recognize the alleged fraudulent nature of the election, promising to present strong evidence to back the claims.
Meanwhile, APC spokesperson, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, emphasized that the party is ready to defend its victory, citing the strength of their legal team and the integrity of the tribunal. He assured that the APC’s focus remains on improving the lives of the people of Edo State.
The tribunal’s decision could have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.
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