Tribunal Hears Final Arguments in Edo Gubernatorial Election Dispute
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, have concluded presenting their case at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. The petitioners are challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
At the resumed proceedings, lead counsel for the petitioners, Mr. Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, informed the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel that they had successfully closed their case after presenting evidence from 19 witnesses.
Asue Ighodalo and PDP Conclude Evidence Presentation Against Okpebholo’s Victory
The petitioners are seeking to nullify the election results, alleging non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and claiming that Okpebholo of the APC did not secure the highest number of lawful votes cast. In a new development, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) produced five additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used in the election, which were admitted into evidence despite objections from the respondents.
The tribunal had already accepted 148 BVAS from 133 disputed polling units as part of the evidence presented by the PDP.
Tribunal Hears Final Arguments in Edo Gubernatorial Election Dispute
INEC had declared Governor Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who secured 247,655 votes. Following the presentation of evidence, the tribunal has now set Wednesday for INEC to open its defense.
The PDP and its candidate have contended that the election was invalid due to issues with the electoral process, and they are seeking to have the results overturned.
Edo Election Dispute: PDP Completes Case, INEC to Present Defense on Wednesday
The PDP and Ighodalo are urging the tribunal to nullify the election results and declare their candidate the rightful winner of the Edo State governorship race. The tribunal has now scheduled the next session for INEC to present its defense, with the case expected to continue into its next phase.
