Rival party supporters clash at inauguration of Edo Election Petition Tribunal
Supporters of various political parties on Monday clashed at the premises of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.
the incident took place during the formal inauguration of the tribunal in Benin City.
Seven political parties are challenging the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner of the September 21 governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
In a viral video clip, supporters of different political parties where seen running in different directions within the court premises.
A female voice at the background was heard saying, “See them. They are running away.”
The political parties challenging the outcome of the governorship election include Accord Party, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Party, Action Alliance, and Zenith Labour Party.
the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had on Sunday, September 22, 2024, declared Okpebholo of the APC winner of the poll, after pulling 291,667 votes to defeat candidates of the PDP and the LP, Dr. Asue Ighodalo and Barr. Olumide Akpata, respectively, who scored 247, 274 and 22,763 votes.
Meanwhile, chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, in his inaugural speech, appealed for the
cooperation of all parties involved in the case for a smooth and successful trial.
Justice Kpochi also appealed for mutual respect between the bar and bench.
He also urged the counsel of the political parties to prevail on the supporters to maintain decorum during proceedings.
The counsel to the petitioners and the respondents pledged to fully cooperate with the tribunal for a smooth trial.
Also speaking, the chairman of the NBA, Benin branch, Mr Idemudia Osifo, who spoke for the bar, said they are ready to provide any assistance if called upon.
On security, the DPO in charge of the court area, Mr. Emmanuel Ehanhoro, representing the Edo State commissioner of police, told the court that the Police is ready and has already deployed personnel for the tribunal.
Other members of the tribunal are Justice K. B. Yusuf and Justice A. A. Adewole.
