Why Tribunal Sacked PDP Lawmaker In Edo

The Edo State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal has ruled to sack Hon. Destiny Enabulele, the incumbent representative of Ovia South West Constituency. The tribunal’s verdict was based on substantial evidence of non-compliance with the amended Electoral Act of 2022.

Justice A.O Chijoke, who presided over the tribunal, officially declared Hon. Sunday Aghedo, the candidate from the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the legitimate winner of the election. In light of this ruling, the tribunal directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return previously issued to Enabulele and reissue it to Hon. Aghedo.

This legal battle originated after INEC initially declared Enabulele the victor with a total of 8,661 votes, surpassing Aghedo’s 7,946 votes in the supplementary election that followed the inconclusive March 18 state House of Assembly election. Dissatisfied with the outcome and alleging irregularities, malpractices, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, overvoting, and invalid votes in the election, Aghedo took his case to the tribunal.

Upon a careful examination of the documents presented by both parties and thorough deliberation, the tribunal made the critical decision to deduct 1,000 votes from Enabulele’s tally. Justice Chijioke held that these deducted votes were invalidated due to corrupt practices, manipulation of figures, and the non-compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act.

This decision not only reshapes the representation in Ovia South West Constituency but also serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to electoral laws and regulations in nominating candidates for election.