Tribunal Proceedings Begin Amidst Controversy Over Edo Guber Poll

From Moshood Karim

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal commenced pre-hearing sessions on Monday in Benin City, with intense scrutiny from political observers and stakeholders.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, is set to adjudicate petitions filed by seven political parties challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September election. 

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, followed by Asue Ighodalo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) with 247,274 votes and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes. However, the opposition parties are contesting the results, citing alleged irregularities and calling for either a rerun or the declaration of their candidates as winners. 

 

The pre-hearing session, attended by legal teams, party representatives, and observers, was marked by heightened security measures. Security operatives cordoned off access to the court premises, enforcing strict entry regulations to prevent unauthorized access. 

 

The PDP, which leads the charge, argues that significant electoral malpractices undermined the integrity of the election. Other petitioners, including the Accord Party, Alliance Party, Social Democratic Party, Allied Peoples Movement, Action Democratic Party, and Zenith Labour Party, have also presented separate grievances. 

 

Justice Kpochi stressed the tribunal's commitment to a fair and expeditious process, noting that the December 18 adjournment allows the tribunal time to review preliminary motions and evidence presented. 

 

The outcome of the tribunal proceedings is expected to set a precedent for electoral dispute resolution in Nigeria and could have significant implications for governance and political alignments in Edo State.