Tribunal Affirms Okpebholo’s Governorship Victory, Dismissing Second Petition
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has upheld the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) by dismissing the second petition filed against them. This latest ruling comes in the wake of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
Led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the three-member tribunal dismissed the petition submitted by the Accord Party on several grounds. In its judgement, the court pointed out that the Accord Party and its governorship candidate, Bright Enabulele, made unsubstantiated allegations of thuggery, ballot stuffing, and voter harassment, yet failed to identify a single perpetrator.
The tribunal noted that the petitioners presented inconsistent claims, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act while simultaneously requesting to be declared winners of the very election they claimed was flawed. Such contradictions significantly undermined their case.
Ultimately, the tribunal concluded that there was insufficient evidence to warrant the nullification of Okpebholo’s election. It affirmed that the conduct of the election and the declaration of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were both valid and in accordance with the law.
With this judgement, Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC have scored a significant victory against the ongoing challenges to their electoral mandate, successfully winning the second in a series of petitions questioning their election. This decision reinforces their position and restores confidence in the electoral process in Edo State.
