Edo – The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a unanimous decision delivered in Abuja, the three-member tribunal, led by Wilfred Kpochi, upheld Okpebholo’s victory in the 21 September 2024 governorship election. The tribunal ruled that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to provide sufficient evidence to support their claims of over-voting and electoral malpractice.
The petitioners had alleged irregularities in the election process and requested that INEC overturn the results. However, the tribunal ruled that the burden of proof lay with the petitioners, who were unable to present polling unit agents and presiding officers to validate their claims. Additionally, the tribunal criticized them for merely submitting Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines as evidence without presenting competent witnesses to demonstrate their claims of over-voting.
The tribunal also dismissed similar petitions filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and the Accord Party, affirming that Governor Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were duly elected and sworn in on 12 November 2024.
Despite controversy surrounding an alleged leaked version of the judgement, which suggested a split decision, the final ruling was unanimous in favor of Okpebholo. The tribunal’s verdict reinforces the legitimacy of the election and concludes the legal challenges against the governor’s victory.
By Damilola Adeleke | April 2, 2025
Adeleke Damilola (ACTION) is a versatile content writer with expertise in news writing and a seasoned media professional and broadcast specialist. Currently serving as News Editor for DNews Info, Damilola is also the CEO of the ACTION brand, committed to shaping lives and establishing a legacy of excellence for present and future generations.
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