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EDO PDP REJECTS TRIBUNAL RULING, HEADS TO APPEAL

The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissing the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. However, the Edo State chapter of the PDP has rejected the tribunal’s ruling, stating that they will take their case to the appellate courts. In a statement, the Chairman of the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, Dr. Tony Azlegbemi, said, “Although we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem as a political party and respect the duly elected by the majority of the voters in that election, we completely disagree with the decision of the tribunal.” Dr. Azlegbemi emphasized that the PDP believes its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was duly elected by the majority of voters in the September 21, 2024, governorship election. Dr. Azlegbemi stated that the party is certain it sufficiently proved its case before the tribunal, and it is on this conviction that they are taking their case to the appellate courts. He called on all PDP members to rise up from the ashes of this temporary setback, saying, “As firm believers in the rule of law and the ultimate superiority of right over wrong, we call on all our supporters to keep hope alive”. Dr. Azlegbemi urged party supporters to keep hope alive as they explore all available democratic means of enthroning the will of the people of Edo State. The Edo State Election Petition Tribunal’s ruling was based on the petitioners’ failure to prove allegations of over-voting and electoral non-compliance.

JUDGMENT DAY IN EDO

By Fred Itua This Wednesday, Edo State will witness a defining moment in its democratic journey as the Election Petition Tribunal delivers its much-anticipated judgment on the 2024 gubernatorial election. It is a day that carries the weight of history, the hopes of the people, and the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system. For months, political actors and citizens alike have waited anxiously as legal fireworks unfolded in courtrooms, with petitions challenging the legitimacy of the election results. Allegations of irregularities and electoral malpractice have been examined meticulously, and now, the moment of truth has arrived. This judgment is more than just a legal pronouncement; it is a test of our democratic institutions. Will justice be served? Will the tribunal’s decision alter the true will of the people? These are the questions on the minds of Edo people and Nigerians at large. This is an opportunity for Edo State—and indeed the entire nation—to demonstrate maturity in governance and respect for the rule of law. However, if the proceedings at the tribunal are anything to go by, this verdict may be nothing more than an academic exercise—one that merely reaffirms what the world has known since the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor of Edo State having garnered a total of 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who secured 247,274 votes and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who came third with 22,763 votes. The facts remain unshaken. Edo people spoke clearly at the ballot box, and INEC, in line with its constitutional mandate, affirmed their collective will. The so-called contestations that followed have done little to dent the overwhelming evidence of Governor Okpebholo’s victory. Instead, what we have seen are desperate attempts by the opposition to clutch at legal straws, hoping for a courtroom miracle that neither facts nor law support. Elections are won at the polling units, not in tribunals. The people of Edo made their choice, and that choice has since translated into a government already delivering on its promises. Governor Okpebholo has hit the ground running, tackling governance with the seriousness it deserves. Infrastructural development is on course, and the people are already reaping the dividends of good leadership. The question then arises—what exactly is the opposition hoping to achieve with this tribunal case? Of course, the legal process must be respected, but it is important to recognize that democracy thrives on the will of the majority. The courtroom drama that has played out over the past months has only reinforced Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory. Any contrary claim is nothing but political theatrics designed to distract from the reality of APC’s well-deserved victory. Beyond the verdict, the response of political stakeholders will shape the future of Edo’s democracy. Will the opposition accept the judgment with grace, or will further legal battles ensue? The responsibility lies not just with politicians but also with the people, civil society, and security agencies to ensure that peace prevails. As the tribunal delivers its judgment, Edo people should rest assured that their mandate remains intact. No amount of legal maneuvering can rewrite the history that was made on election day. The opposition may seek to create doubt where none exists, but the truth remains unshaken—Senator Monday Okpebholo is the choice of the people, and he will continue to lead Edo State on the path of progress. One thing is clear: governance will not pause, and Edo’s march towards a brighter future will continue, unbothered by distractions. Fred Itua is the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor.

EDO ELECTION TRIBUNAL: APC SEEKS DISMISSAL OF PDP PETITION FOR LACK OF EVIDENCE

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has made a strong case for the dismissal of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) petition challenging the outcome of the Edo State governorship election. The APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, SAN, submitted that the petitioners had failed to provide credible evidence to support their claims of electoral irregularities. In his final written address to the tribunal, Ukala argued that the PDP’s case was fundamentally flawed, relying on unsubstantiated allegations rather than concrete evidence. He cited relevant Supreme Court precedents, emphasizing the need for petitioners to provide detailed proof of electoral malpractice. Ukala also criticized the PDP’s witnesses, describing their testimonies as weak and hearsay-based. He noted that the petitioners had failed to link their allegations to specific polling units, wards, or local government areas, as required by law. Furthermore, Ukala pointed out that the PDP had neglected to reference Form EC25D, a critical election document, in their witness statements. He argued that this omission, combined with the failure to provide BVAS records and voters’ register evidence, fatally weakened the PDP’s case. The APC’s counsel urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition, emphasizing that the petitioners had failed to meet the required burden of proof. The tribunal’s decision is eagerly awaited, as it will have significant implications for the political landscape of Edo State.

EDO APC ALERTS SECURITY AGENCIES, INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OVER PLANNED PDP PROTESTS IN ABUJA

The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has raised an alarm over an alleged plan by supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, to disrupt activities at the Attorney General’s Office in Abuja. Emperor Jarret Tenebe, the Edo APC Chairman, has called on security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Army, to be vigilant and take necessary measures to prevent the planned protest, which he described as an attempt to undermine the ongoing Edo State Governorship tribunal. Tenebe stated that the PDP and Ighodalo’s supporters intend to carry out the disruption on Tuesday, with the aim of influencing the tribunal’s proceedings. He emphasized that the APC will not tolerate any actions aimed at compromising the judicial process or disrupting public peace. “We urge the security agencies to be proactive and ensure that this unlawful act is prevented. Those behind this planned disruption must be held accountable for their actions,” Tenebe said. The development comes amid the ongoing legal battle at the Edo State Governorship tribunal, where the PDP and Ighodalo are challenging the outcome of the recent governorship election. The APC chairman also called on the international community to take note of the situation, stressing the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring a fair judicial process. Tenebe reiterated the APC’s commitment to peace and democracy, urging all parties involved to allow the tribunal to carry out its duties without interference. “We will not stand by and watch any group or individual attempt to disrupt the peace or manipulate the judicial process. The security agencies must act swiftly to prevent this planned protest,” he added. The APC chairman’s alert has heightened concerns over potential unrest in Abuja, as stakeholders await the response of security agencies to the alleged threat.

EDO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION PETITION TRIBUNAL DISMISSES SDP’S PETITION

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) challenging the election of Senator Monday Okpebholo. The three-man Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, struck out the case after SDP’s counsel, Jackson Ehiabhi, informed the court that the party no longer wished to proceed. Ehiabhi cited a directive from the party’s National Secretariat as the reason for the withdrawal. No further details were provided. The dismissal brings an end to the SDP’s challenge to Okpebholo’s election.

APC CONDEMNS SPORADIC SHOOTING BY PDP SUPPORTERS AT TRIBUNAL VENUE IN BENIN

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the sporadic shooting incident involving members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the Governorship Election Tribunal venue in Benin City. The incident, which occurred today, has been described as a deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence. In a statement, Edo State APC Chairman, Emperor Jarret Tenebe, emphasized that the Tribunal is a sacred space where justice is meant to be administered impartially. “Any act of violence within its walls undermines the very foundation of our legal system and threatens the safety of all involved,” Tenebe said. Emperor Jarret Tenebe further stated that resorting to violence to resolve disputes is never justifiable, regardless of political affiliation. “We must all condemn such actions in the strongest possible terms,” he added. Tenebe stressed that violence has no place in a civilized society, and those responsible for this heinous act must be brought to justice swiftly and without exception. The APC chairman’s statement comes amidst rising tensions in Edo State, with the PDP and APC trading blame over recent violent incidents.