The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal begins today, Monday, in Benin City, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) set for a decisive legal contest over the outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election.
The case has generated mixed reactions across the state, with PDP supporters expressing optimism.
PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is contesting the election results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging collusion between INEC and the APC to manipulate the process.
The petition outlines alleged irregularities, including violations of the Electoral Act, inflated APC votes in strongholds, and unlawful cancellation of PDP votes in key local government areas.
PDP spokesperson Barrister Tony Ehilebo, speaking ahead of the tribunal’s first sitting, expressed confidence in the party’s case.
“We have presented overwhelming evidence to prove that the election was rigged. We are confident the tribunal will restore the mandate stolen from the people of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy,” he said.
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However, the APC dismissed the claims as unfounded. Chief Alex Okosun, an APC chieftain, described the challenge as “sacrilegious,” urging Ighodalo to accept the results.
“Politicians must stop litigating every election. Asue is Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s Esan brother. He should let bygones be bygones and join the Governor to move Edo forward. We have finally gotten an Esan governor; that is the main thing,” Okosun stated, maintaining confidence in the legitimacy of Governor Okpebholo’s mandate.
As proceedings commence, the tribunal faces intense scrutiny, with many viewing the case as a critical test of Nigeria’s judiciary and its role in protecting democratic integrity.