Edo Election Tribunal Moves to Abuja for further hearing

Abuja, Nigeria  —  The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has officially been relocated from Benin City to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory.

The announcement was made in a notice dated January 24, 2025, signed by the Tribunal Secretary, Mu’azu Ibrahim Bagudu, Esq. The notice informed all parties involved in the tribunal proceedings of the change in venue.

“I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27th January 2025,” the notice read.

While the notice did not specify reasons for the relocation, a former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mr. John Mayaki, commended the decision. In his statement, Mayaki described the move as a proactive step to ensure fairness, neutrality, and security.

“This decision will guarantee the safety of the Tribunal members, litigants, and the electoral materials to be presented as evidence,” Mayaki explained.

He further highlighted that relocating election tribunals is not a new occurrence, citing precedents in Ebonyi, Adamawa, Osun, Rivers, Kogi, and Ekiti states.

“I support any measure that promotes neutrality, impartiality, and security for both the case and the panel members,” Mayaki added.

He also emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the judicial process from external influences and distractions to maintain the credibility of election petitions.

The Tribunal is expected to begin its proceedings at the new venue on Monday, January 27, 2025.

 

By Taiwo Olatinwo| January 25, 2025


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