JUST IN: Tribunal Upholds Okpebholo’s Victory as Edo Governor, Dismisses PDP’s Petition

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the election of Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State. The ruling, delivered in Abuja on Wednesday, dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the petitioners failed to provide substantial evidence to support their claims of electoral malpractice, irregularities, and non-compliance with electoral laws. The tribunal emphasized that the PDP and Ighodalo did not call competent witnesses to back their allegations, rendering their petition unsubstantiated.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), secured 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo, who polled 247,655 votes. The PDP, dissatisfied with the result, approached the tribunal, alleging vote rigging, over-voting, and other irregularities. However, the tribunal found no merit in these claims, stating that the evidence presented by the petitioners was inadequate and unconvincing.

In its verdict, the tribunal reaffirmed that Okpebholo’s victory was legitimate and in line with electoral laws. The ruling marks a significant legal win for the APC and Governor Okpebholo, solidifying his mandate to lead Edo State.

Following the tribunal’s decision, the PDP and its candidate are expected to explore the possibility of an appeal to a higher court. Legal analysts suggest that the opposition party might take the case to the Court of Appeal in a bid to overturn the ruling. However, with the tribunal’s firm stance on the lack of substantial evidence, the chances of a successful appeal remain uncertain.

Governor Okpebholo, in response to the ruling, called for unity and urged all political actors in Edo State to join hands in moving the state forward. The APC leadership has also welcomed the verdict, describing it as a validation of the people’s will as expressed during the election.

More to follow……