The battle over the outcome of Edo State’s September 21, 2024, governorship election intensified on Thursday as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged sharp words following the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the PDP’s petition, reaffirming the victory of APC’s Governor Monday Okpebholo.
While the APC celebrated the decision, calling it a “validation of the people’s will,” the PDP condemned the ruling, claiming that it violated judicial impartiality.
The tribunal had ruled that the PDP failed to substantiate its claim of over-voting, thereby affirming that Okpebholo garnered the most valid votes.
In a statement, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed outrage, calling the judgment an “absolute miscarriage of justice.” The party insisted that its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo, was the rightful winner of the election and accused the tribunal of misinterpreting the evidence presented.
“The tribunal contradicted itself by coming to a conclusion that is at variance with its own findings,” Ologunagba stated.
The PDP vowed to appeal the ruling, with Ologunagba adding that the party was confident the Court of Appeal would ensure justice. “We believe that the Court of Appeal will do a thorough judicial review to restore the mandate of the people of Edo State,” he said.
On the other hand, the APC hailed the tribunal’s ruling, with its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, describing it as a confirmation of the people’s mandate.
“This landmark judgment validates the overwhelming support of the Edo State electorate for APC’s candidate,” Morka said, expressing confidence that Okpebholo would continue to deliver good governance to the state.
As the dispute heads to the Court of Appeal, both parties are gearing up for further legal battles, with the PDP urging its supporters to stay resolute despite the setback. The APC, meanwhile, celebrated the victory as a triumph of democracy and the judiciary’s independence.