As the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal resumes sitting on Monday in Benin City, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were gearing up for what could be a decisive legal battle over the outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election.
The case has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with optimism among PDP supporters and unease within the APC’s ranks.
The PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is challenging the election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); with the Edo State chairman of the PDP alleging that the APC and INEC colluded to manipulate the process.
The petition highlights alleged irregularities, including substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, inflated votes in APC strongholds and the unlawful cancellation of PDP votes in key local government areas.
Ahead of the tribunal’s first sitting, PDP spokesperson Barrister Tony Ehilebo expressed confidence in the party’s case. “We have presented overwhelming evidence to prove that the election was rigged. We are confident the tribunal will restore the mandate stolen from the people of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy,” he said.
The APC, however, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless. Chief Alex Okosun, an APC chieftain described the legal challenge as “sacrilegious.” “Politicians must stop litigating every election. Asue is Senator Monday Okpebholo’s Esan brother. He should let bygones be bygones and join the Governor to move Edo forward. We have finally gotten an Esan governor; that is the main thing,” the chieftain said, adding that the APC remains confident in the legitimacy of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s mandate.
