Edo Poll: CSOs Warn Okpebholo Against Intimidating Judiciary

A coalition of civil society organisations has attacked Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State for his persistent allegations that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Barr. Asue Ighodalo is attempting to bribe the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal members.

Under the auspices of the Coalition for Judicial Integrity (CJI), the organisation described the claims in a statement yesterday signed by its Spokesman, Comrade Jude Ubaka, as a dangerous and calculated attempt to undermine the judiciary.

The CJI expressed deep concern over the governor’s decision to double down on the allegations without offering any evidence, saying that such comments could erode public confidence in the judiciary at a critical stage of the ongoing legal process.

Governor Okpebholo, a respondent in the petition challenging INEC‘s declaration that he won the September 2024 Edo State governorship election, first made the bribery claims during a recent television interview—allegations that have since been widely condemned.

The governor continued to repeat the claims even as the tribunal prepared to adopt final written addresses on Monday, March 3, 2025. However, the CJI said the governor’s remarks amounted to a brazen attempt to blackmail the judiciary and pre-empt the case outcome.

“As a sitting governor and direct beneficiary of the disputed election, Okpebholo bears a heightened responsibility to uphold the sanctity of the rule of law and refrain from making subjudicial comments capable of intimidating the tribunal or prejudicing its judgment,” the statement read.

The group emphasised that the sub judice rule—a legal principle prohibiting public commentary on matters before the courts—exists to safeguard the judiciary‘s independence and impartiality.
It said Okpebholo’s actions risk setting a dangerous precedent in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“It is deeply troubling that rather than allow the tribunal to discharge its constitutional duty without interference, Governor Okpebholo has resorted to populist fear-mongering to discredit a judicial process led by esteemed members of the bench,” the statement stated.

The CJI called on the governor to withdraw his allegations immediately and allow the tribunal to deliver its judgment without undue influence.

The group further urged the tribunal to take due notice of the governor’s comments, describing them as a thinly veiled attempt to intimidate panel members.

For his part, Thompson Efe, convener of the Good Governance Society, urged the judiciary to maintain neutrality in delivering judgment in the case.

“All eyes are on the tribunal against any form of intimidation. We are calling on the judiciary to maintain neutrality in discharging its judgment,” he added.