Dr. Asue Ighodalo challenges Edo governorship election results at tribunal

Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the September 21 Edo State governorship election, on Monday appeared before the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal at the Edo State High Court, Benin City.

Ighodalo, accompanied by his legal team, is seeking to prove that he was the rightful winner of the election.

At the opening session, Tribunal Chairman Justice Wilfred Kpochi appealed for the cooperation of all stakeholders, including political parties, supporters, legal counsel, security agencies, and the media, to ensure the smooth progress of the proceedings.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining a calm and professional environment throughout the tribunal’s work.

Ighodalo had swiftly rejected the election results, which were announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on September 22, 2024.

INEC had declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner, with 291,667 votes, while Ighodalo received 247,274 votes.

In response, Ighodalo filed a petition with the tribunal, contesting INEC’s decision.

Other political parties, including the Accord Party (AC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), are also challenging the election results.

During the session, Justice Kpochi, alongside Justices AB Yusuf and AA Adewole, urged counsels to avoid unnecessary arguments that could disrupt the proceedings.

He stressed the importance of maintaining a serene atmosphere in the tribunal, noting, “We have senior lawyers here, and we expect the same level of respect from all parties.”

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Ken Mozia, SAN, lead counsel for Ighodalo, assured the tribunal of his team’s commitment to the process, noting that they had advised Ighodalo’s supporters to remain civil.

Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, lead counsel for Okpebholo, also expressed readiness to cooperate, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding among all parties.

Ighodalo was joined by the state PDP Caretaker Committee Chairman, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, and other party leaders and supporters.

The tribunal adjourned the session until Wednesday, December 18, for the continuation of the pre-hearing sitting.

Justice Kpochi announced that by then, all parties would have completed necessary preliminary actions and agreed on the hearing schedule for the full proceedings.