…Stakeholders React as APC and PDP Both Claim Victory
The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal is set to deliver its much-anticipated judgment today in Abuja on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the hotly contested September 21, 2024, election.
However, the anticipation surrounding the ruling has been marred by allegations of a leaked judgment, raising concerns over judicial integrity and fairness. While some dismissed the leak as an April Fool’s prank, legal experts and political observers have debated its implications.
Legal practitioner Mudi Erhenede described the situation as a major embarrassment to the judiciary if true. He suggested that the tribunal judges might need to revise their ruling to counter the credibility of the leaked document.
Another lawyer, Olajide Abiodun, Vice Chairman of the Ikorodu Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), warned that such leaks could erode public trust in the judicial system. He urged the judiciary to investigate and sanction any officials found responsible for breaching confidentiality.
“A leaked judgment undermines the credibility of the election tribunal process,” Abiodun stated. “If proven, it could be grounds for an appeal on the basis of procedural compromise.”
However, legal expert Douglas Ubankpa dismissed the claims as mere speculation and advised Nigerians to wait for the tribunal’s official ruling.
Following the September 22, 2024, election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC was announced as the winner with 291,667 votes. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, secured 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party came third with 22,763 votes.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, the PDP and Ighodalo petitioned the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, citing allegations of overvoting, ballot box stuffing, and voter intimidation.
Despite the controversy, both the APC and PDP have expressed optimism that the tribunal ruling will favor them.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, reassured supporters of his confidence in the judiciary and urged residents to maintain peace.
“Our state’s progress is paramount. We must not let political differences disrupt our harmony. I have faith in the judiciary to deliver a fair and just judgment,” Okpebholo stated.
Similarly, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare insisted that his party had presented strong evidence before the tribunal.
“We trust that the verdict will reflect the overwhelming evidence we provided. Our only request is for the judges to remain fair and guided by the law,” he stated.
On the other hand, APC acting state chairman, Jarret Tenebe, expressed confidence that Okpebholo’s victory would be upheld.
“The PDP failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. Their witnesses relied on hearsay, and they couldn’t demonstrate any major electoral irregularities,” Tenebe said.
Meanwhile, the APC has accused the PDP of plotting to destabilize the state to force the federal government to declare a state of emergency.
At a press conference, Tenebe alleged that PDP members had enlisted disbanded security operatives to instigate violence in places like Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.
“The PDP is desperate. They want to manipulate public perception and provoke unrest to discredit Governor Okpebholo’s administration,” Tenebe stated.
He called on security agencies to investigate and arrest PDP leaders allegedly involved in the unrest.
“We will also petition foreign missions and embassies to extradite individuals inciting public disorder,” he added.
As the tribunal ruling looms, Edo residents remain on edge, with supporters from both parties awaiting the verdict. With the tribunal relocated to Abuja due to past violent clashes between APC and PDP supporters, authorities are bracing for potential unrest regardless of the outcome.
Will the judgment affirm Okpebholo’s election, or will it trigger another round of political and legal battles? All eyes are on the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
