The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, is set to deliver its judgment today regarding the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the results of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The three-member panel, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, notified the parties of the judgment date yesterday.
The decision follows the tribunal’s decision on March 3 to reserve its verdict after the final arguments from all parties.
The PDP and Ighodalo are contesting the election result, which saw Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reported that Okpebholo received 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who secured 247,655 votes.
Dissatisfied with the election outcome, the PDP and Ighodalo filed a petition, claiming that the election did not fully comply with the Electoral Act, 2022. In the petition (EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024), they argue that Okpebholo did not earn the highest lawful votes.
They also accuse INEC of failing to properly manage sensitive election materials, a move they suggest enabled rigging in favor of the APC.
During Monday’s final submissions, the petitioners’ lead counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), pointed to irregularities in the vote calculations in 765 polling units.
He specifically highlighted instances where vote counts were significantly altered during collation.
“We acknowledge that elections took place at the polling units, but how 25 votes turned into 525 at one collation center is part of our concern,” Oyeyipo argued.
The petitioners insist that they have provided enough evidence to prove their case and have requested that the tribunal annul Governor Okpebholo’s Certificate of Return and declare Ighodalo the rightful winner.
On the other hand, the respondents—including INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC—have called for the dismissal of the petition, arguing that it lacks merit.
INEC’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), stated that the petitioners’ claims were inconsistent, noting that while they questioned the validity of the election, they still sought to be declared the winners.
Governor Okpebholo’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), called the petition an academic exercise, referring to a Supreme Court ruling that over-voting cannot be proven without Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) data.
APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), also argued that the petitioners failed to meet the required legal standard for proving their case.
Governor Okpebholo Appeals for Peace
Ahead of the tribunal’s ruling, Governor Okpebholo urged peace and calm among his supporters and residents of Edo State, emphasizing respect for the legal process.
“We have witnessed a highly competitive election, and I respect the legal channels available to all parties. The tribunal’s decision is an essential part of our democracy, and it should be respected,” he said.
He urged the people to focus on the state’s progress and unity, cautioning against political violence and misinformation. “Our state’s development and progress are of utmost importance. Political differences should not disturb the peace we have worked hard to build,” Okpebholo stressed.
The governor expressed confidence in the judiciary and the resilience of Edo residents, calling on everyone to embrace peace and show respect for the rule of law as the tribunal delivers its verdict.