Tribunal Dismisses PDP’s Petition, Upholds Governor Okpebholo’s Election Victory

In a significant ruling today, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Delivering the judgment, Justice Kpochi held that the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims of electoral malpractice, overvoting, and substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The tribunal noted that most of the allegations presented by the PDP were vague, lacked specificity, and were not backed by credible evidence or sufficient witness testimony.

The court affirmed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the 2024 Edo State governorship election in substantial compliance with the law, and that the results declared reflected the will of the people.

Justice Kpochi also addressed the competence of the petition, ruling in favor of the APC and Governor Okpebholo on several preliminary objections. He emphasized that the tribunal would not act on speculative claims or politically motivated narratives not grounded in legal facts.

With this ruling, Governor Okpebholo’s mandate has now been affirmed in all three major petitions filed against his election, further strengthening his legitimacy as the duly elected Governor of Edo State.

The courtroom was filled with tense anticipation as the judgment was read, but the APC camp erupted in celebration following the verdict. Meanwhile, PDP supporters expressed disappointment, though the party has not yet announced whether it will proceed to the Court of Appeal.

This marks a major turning point in the post-election legal battles in Edo State, reinforcing the APC’s hold on the state’s leadership.