Edo Election: Tribunal delivers judgment in PDP, Ighodalo’s petition against APC, Gov. Okpebholo’s victory

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment today in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.¹

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

The PDP and Ighodalo are contesting the outcome of the poll, alleging that the election was marred by irregularities. They specifically claimed that the governorship election was invalid due to non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022. The petitioners prayed the tribunal to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner.

According to reports, the tribunal had admitted in evidence 148 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used during the conduct of the disputed governorship poll. The electronic devices were tendered by a Senior Technical Officer in the ICT Department of INEC, Anthony Itodo, and admitted in evidence by the panel.

The petitioners had subpoenaed INEC to produce the BVAS machines used in 133 polling units where election results are being disputed. INEC had declared that Okpebholo secured a total of 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo, who got 247,655 votes.

In response, Okpebholo and the APC urged the tribunal to dismiss the petitions, arguing that the petitioners failed to substantiate their allegations.

Meanwhile, there are reports of a leaked judgment circulating online, indicating a two-to-one split decision in favor of Okpebholo. However, the authenticity of the leaked document has not been confirmed.

The Edo State APC Chairman, Chief Jarrett Tenebe, has expressed confidence in the tribunal’s decision, stating that the party’s lawyers did a good job and they believe in the judiciary.

In a message, Governor Okpebholo urged supporters and residents to maintain peace and order, regardless of the tribunal’s decision. He emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and the democratic process.