The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal upheld Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory, dismissing PDP’s petition. The tribunal criticized the lack of solid evidence and dismissed claims of electoral irregularities. Ighodalo’s legal team intends to appeal the decision, which confirms Okpebholo’s win despite the contested votes.
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal recently upheld Governor Monday Okpebholo's victory in the September 21 governorship election. The tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, which sought to annul Okpebholo’s win.
In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi stated that the PDP failed to present sufficient evidence to back their claims of over-voting and electoral irregularities. Despite their allegations, including accusations that sensitive election materials were not properly handled and that votes were manipulated, the tribunal found the petitioners’ case to be lacking in solid proof.
The PDP had alleged that Okpebholo’s win was due to discrepancies in voting data from 765 polling units, and they had called on 19 witnesses to testify. However, the tribunal criticized the way evidence was presented, with most witnesses relying on hearsay rather than direct, credible testimonies. Furthermore, the tribunal pointed out that the BVAS machines and other data presented were not properly authenticated, weakening the PDP’s claims of over-voting.
Despite these findings, the tribunal acknowledged the submission of evidence but ruled it insufficient to overturn the result. Even if the disputed votes were removed, Okpebholo would still have emerged victorious. Ighodalo’s legal team has expressed their intention to appeal the decision at the Court of appeal
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