The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja is set to deliver its judgment today on the case brought by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, contesting the results of the gubernatorial election held on September 21, 2024.
Led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the three-member tribunal notified the parties of the judgment date early yesterday. The panel had reserved its verdict on March 3 after all parties submitted their final arguments. The PDP and Ighodalo are disputing the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the election winner.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the gubernatorial election with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Mr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who received 247,655 votes.
Unsatisfied with the result, the PDP and Ighodalo filed a petition with the tribunal, claiming the election did not comply with the Electoral Act, 2022. Their petition (EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024) argues that Governor Okpebholo did not obtain the highest number of lawful votes. They allege that INEC failed to properly serialize and pre-record sensitive materials used during the election, facilitating alleged rigging in favor of the APC.
During their final arguments, led by Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, the petitioners contended that the results were incorrectly calculated in 765 polling units, claiming that results were manipulated at the collation centers. They highlighted discrepancies, such as a vote count that inexplicably increased from 25 to 525 at one collation center, which they are contesting.
The petitioners contended that they presented sufficient evidence to support their case, urging the tribunal to annul the Certificate of Return issued to Governor Okpebholo and declare Ighodalo the rightful winner of the gubernatorial election.
In response, the respondents—INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC—requested the tribunal to dismiss the petition, arguing it lacked merit. They asserted that the petitioners did not provide credible evidence to substantiate their claim of winning the election.
INEC’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, pointed out inconsistencies in the petitioners’ arguments, noting that while they alleged the election was invalid due to non-compliance, they simultaneously sought to be declared the winners.
Governor Okpebholo’s counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, described the petition as an academic exercise and highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously ruled that over-voting could not be proven without data from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines. Similarly, the APC’s lawyer, Mr. Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, argued that the petitioners failed to meet the legal burden of proof.
Governor Okpebholo has conveyed a message of hope and unity to his supporters, members of the ruling APC, and residents of Edo State. He urged everyone to maintain peace and order, acknowledging the recent competitive electoral process and the importance of respecting the tribunal’s decision as part of the democratic framework.
He emphasized that the state’s progress and development should take precedence, advising against allowing political differences to disrupt the harmony that has been cultivated. Okpebholo called on political and community leaders, as well as citizens, to uphold the rule of law, foster unity, and avoid spreading misinformation.
Expressing confidence in the judiciary’s capacity to provide a fair judgment, he also expressed faith in the resilience and maturity of the people of Edo State. He encouraged them to demonstrate their commitment to democracy, peace, and progress, thanking them for their understanding and cooperation.