The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerinme Ighodalo.
In a unanimous decision on Wednesday, the three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the petitioners failed to provide credible evidence to justify nullifying the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The tribunal rejected claims of electoral malpractice, over-voting, and irregularities, stating that the PDP and Ighodalo merely “dumped exhibits” without proper demonstration through competent witnesses.
Despite challenging the results, which saw Okpebholo secure 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,655, the tribunal held that the petitioners’ allegations lacked merit.
The panel also ruled that even if the alleged unlawful votes were deducted, Okpebholo would still emerge victorious.
However, Ighodalo has vowed to appeal the ruling, with his legal team confirming plans to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal.
