The PDP and Ighodalo had argued that the election did not comply with the Electoral Act 2022, citing over-voting, manipulation of results, and other malpractices.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja will today deliver its judgment in 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 September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The three-man tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had reserved judgment on March 3 after parties adopted their final written addresses. The ruling will determine whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) properly declared Okpebholo as the winner or if the election was marred by irregularities.
The PDP and Ighodalo had argued that the election did not comply with the Electoral Act 2022, citing over-voting, manipulation of results, and other malpractices.
The petitioners called 19 witnesses and tendered several documents, including election result sheets and BVAS reports, to support their claims.
The APC, on its part, defended INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as the winner, insisting that the election was free, fair, and credible. The ruling party presented four witnesses to counter the PDP’s allegations, while INEC did not call any witnesses.
Ahead of the judgment, supporters of both parties have gathered in Abuja, with security tightened around the tribunal venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
Political analysts say the verdict could either solidify APC’s hold on Edo State or reopen the race if the tribunal orders a rerun or invalidates Okpebholo’s victory.
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