The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, is yet to announce a date for its final judgment on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The tribunal’s secretary, Barr. Mua’zu Bagudu, clarified that no date has been communicated for the final judgment, contrary to rumors suggesting a Monday announcement.
This update was shared in a phone conversation with EBS Abuja Correspondent, Henrietta Momodu, this Sunday .
Recall that the PDP and Asue Ighodalo filed the petition, alleging widespread irregularities in the governorship election held in the state, on September 21, 2024.
They claimed that the election was marred by over-voting, improper use of election materials, and non-compliance with electoral guidelines in key areas across the state.
In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has pushed for the dismissal of the PDP’s petition, arguing that the petitioners failed to present credible and substantial evidence to support their claims.
The APC’s lead counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, emphasized that the petitioners’ case was built entirely on allegations of non-compliance with electoral procedures but lacked the necessary evidentiary foundation.
PDP’s Ken Mozia led Legal team however dismissed claims by the respondents and urged the court to grant its petition citing the impact of its claims on the whole election.
Following several disruptions of its proceedings, the tribunal which was originally sitting in Benin City Edo State, relocated to the National Judicial Institute Abuja, where it continued proceedings on Tuesday January 28.
Justice Wilfred Kpochi had on March 3, reserved judgment on the case to a later date, after parties to the suit adopted their final written addresses.
