2 weeks Ago By John Chuks Azu
By John Chuks Azu Usman Bello The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the 21 September 2024 governorship election. Delivering judgment on Wednesday in Abuja, the tribunal upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who polled 247,655 votes. The three-member panel of justices led by Justice Wilfred Kpoch dismissed the petition on the grounds that the petitioners failed to prove their allegation of over-voting.
It also held that they did not call competent witnesses to authenticate the documentary evidence they presented. The justices ruled that this amounted to “dumping documents” on the tribunal, as the petitioners failed to establish a link between the documents and their allegations of over-voting. Accord Party’s petition dismissed Earlier, the tribunal also dismissed a petition by the Accord Party (AP) seeking a fresh governorship election in Edo State, ruling that it failed to comply with the Electoral Act.
The panel held that the petitioners failed to discharge the burden of proof required by law. It stated that their claims that the election breached electoral laws lacked evidence to support allegations of thuggery, ballot stuffing, and voter harassment. The AP and its governorship candidate, Bright Enabulele, had filed the petition challenging Okpebholo’s victory, alleging corruption and claiming that the APC did not win the majority of lawful votes, despite securing 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,655.
Action Alliance’s petition thrown out Similarly, the tribunal dismissed a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) against Okpebholo and the APC. Justice Kpochi struck out the petition for lack of locus standi, describing it as lacking merit and frivolous. The AA and its candidate, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, had challenged the validity of Okpebholo’s election, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act and arguing that INEC’s declaration of the APC’s victory was “illegal, unlawful, and null and void.
” However, the tribunal ruled that Omoaje did not participate in the governorship election and, therefore, had no legal standing to challenge the results. It further held that Omoaje’s main grievance was that he was not recognised as the national chairman of the AA for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the election. The justices, however, ruled that his claims had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022.
Okpebholo urges opposition to join hands for Edo’s development Reacting to the judgment, Governor Okpebholo called on the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to set aside political differences and work with him for the development of Edo State. Okpebholo described the ruling as a validation of the overwhelming support demonstrated by Edo residents during the election. “It is time to put aside partisan differences and focus on the common goal of building a better future for our state,” he said.
He emphasised that the victory was not his alone but a triumph for every citizen of Edo. “This victory is not mine alone, but a victory for every citizen and resident of Edo State. It is a mandate to continue the work we have started, to build a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
We remain committed to our promise of good governance, transparency, and inclusive development,” he added. Okpebholo further stated that the judgment reaffirmed the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process and the will of the people. He assured that his administration remained focused on delivering on its campaign promises and would not be distracted by “frivolous litigation.
” The PDP and Ighodalo were yet to react to the judgment and the governor’s plea as of the time of filing this report. Unlock AI's potential! Get top prompts for content, blogs, social media, research, draft proposals and more. Boost creativity start using AI tools today! Click here to learn how it works.
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