Edo 2024: APM, SDP, Others File Petitions Seeking Nullification of Election

From Moshood Karim

Four political parties that participated in the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship Election have filed petitions challenging the election results, which declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner.

The parties—All People Movement (APM), All Peoples Party (APP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP)—are calling for the nullification of the election due to alleged violations of the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC's regulations.

 

In their petitions, the parties contend that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the first respondent, failed to properly conduct the election in accordance with the law.

hey argue that the election should have been nullified and a fresh election ordered in compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.

 

The petitioners are specifically challenging the election results in nine local government areas: Esan North East, Esan South West, Igueben, Ikpoba Okha, Orhionmwon, Ovia South West, Ovia North East, Uhunmwonde, and Egor.

While the APC won in Egor, the other local governments were claimed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and all results in these areas are being disputed.

 

Electronic Transmission of Results Questioned

 

One of the main points raised by the petitioners is INEC's alleged failure to electronically transmit collated votes from polling units, as required by law.

They argue that this failure undermines the validity of the votes awarded to Senator Okpebholo and his subsequent declaration as the winner of the election. According to their submission, “no winner can emerge from the election which was held in fundamental breach of the Electoral Act and Regulations.”

 

Allegations of Corrupt Practices and Non-Compliance

 

In addition to challenging the transmission of results, the parties also claim that the election was marred by corrupt practices and general non-compliance with electoral regulations.

They assert that all votes accredited to Senator Okpebholo, as well as to other candidates, are invalid due to the flawed conduct of the election.

The petitioners argue that INEC should have canceled the election and organized a new one in adherence to legal requirements.

Call for Nullification and Fresh Election

 

The aggrieved parties are requesting the Election Tribunal to issue an order nullifying the September 21 Edo State Governorship Election.

They seek a declaration that Senator Okpebholo's victory was invalid due to corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.

The petitioners are urging the tribunal to order a fresh election that would adhere to the mandatory legal and procedural standards.

 

The tribunal will now consider the petitions filed by APM, APP, ZLP, and SDP, as the legal battle over the Edo 2024 election begins.