The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has reserved judgment on a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, announced that the judgment date would be communicated to all parties involved.
During the resumed hearing, counsels for both sides presented their final submissions. Adewale Adebayo, counsel for the petitioner, urged the tribunal to uphold the petition, citing the exclusion of the AA candidate by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). “The exclusion of our candidate is an injustice that must be corrected,” Adebayo stated.
In contrast, counsels for Governor Monday Okpebholo, the APC, and INEC argued that the petition lacked merit and was an abuse of the court process. Ms. Linda Chuba-Ikpeazu, representing Okpebholo, dismissed the petition, urging the tribunal to reject it. “There is no substance in this petition, and it should be dismissed without hesitation,” she asserted.
The petition was filed by AA National Chairman, Adekunle Omoaje, who argued that INEC failed to recognize him as the party’s legitimate chairman despite a court ruling in his favor.
The tribunal’s decision is eagerly awaited as it could have significant implications for the legitimacy of the Edo governorship election outcome.