Suspected Political Thugs Disrupt Edo Governorship Election Tribunal Session

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal convened in Benin on Monday to commence pre-hearing on petitions challenging the results of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. However, proceedings were disrupted as suspected political thugs invaded the Edo State High Court, sparking chaos.

The attackers targeted supporters of seven political parties disputing the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) outside the courtroom. In response to the violence, security operatives swiftly cordoned off the court entrance and established roadblocks on routes leading to the venue to restore order.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared APC candidate Monday Okpebholo the winner of the election on September 22, 2024, with 291,667 votes. He defeated Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes.

The PDP, along with six other political parties, filed petitions before the three-member tribunal led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi. The PDP’s petition seeks to nullify the election results and declare Ighodalo the rightful winner. Other parties involved in the legal challenge include the Accord Party, Alliance Party, Social Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party.

The tribunal, inaugurated by the National Judicial Council one week before the election, has scheduled hearings to address the seven separate petitions. Muazu Bagudu, the tribunal’s secretary, confirmed the pre-hearing schedule despite the disruptions.