EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION TRIBUNAL DISMISSES ACTION ALLIANCE’S PETITION

The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) seeking to nullify the election of Monday Okpheboloh as Edo State governor. In a unanimous decision, the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member Tribunal panel dismissed the petition, citing lack of merit.

Rufai Omo-Aje, who claims to be the chairman of the AA, had filed the petition alleging that he was prevented by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from presenting a candidate for the election. However, the Tribunal ruled that Omo-Aje lacks the legal standing to file the petition, as he did not participate in the party primary nor the actual governorship election, where Tom Iseghohi-Okojie was the AA’s candidate.

The Tribunal also stated that the issue brought before it is a pre-election matter, which it lacks jurisdiction to attend to, as it borders on the internal workings of the political party. This decision is a significant victory for Governor Okpheboloh, who has been facing challenges to his election victory.