Edo Tribunal reserves rulings on petitions challenging Okpebholo’s election victory

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Benin City, on Thursday reserved its rulings on several motions challenging the declaration of Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

The legal contest, initiated by aggrieved candidates and parties, underscores the contentious nature of the election outcome.

Petitions marked EPT/ED/GOV/06/2024 and EPT/ED/GOV/07/2024 were filed by Mr. Akhimie Kingston Afeare of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Bishop Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

The petitioners named the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Okpebholo, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the first, second, and third respondents, respectively.

During Thursday’s session, the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, heard arguments from legal representatives of all parties. The tribunal opted to reserve rulings on the motions, which will be addressed during the judgment stage of the petitions.

Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) Abdullahi Aliyu, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, and Emmanuel Ukala, representing the applicants, urged the tribunal to grant their motions and the reliefs sought.

However, Wisdom Isaac, counsel for the respondents, dismissed the motions as meritless, arguing they should “be confined to the dustbin of history.”

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The tribunal also reserved rulings on motions filed by INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC challenging the competence of petitions from other opposition candidates, including Anerua Abdulai Aliu of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and others from the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Legal briefs and affidavits for these cases were similarly presented and adopted by all parties.

In addition to the reserved rulings, the tribunal announced an adjournment in a petition filed by Dr. Bright Enabulele, the Accord Party candidate.

During the hearing, Enabulele’s counsel, Joel Tagher, requested a postponement due to the illness of one witness and the unavailability of another who was under subpoena. The respondents did not oppose the adjournment, prompting Justice Kpochi to reschedule the continuation of the hearing for Tuesday, January 21.

The tribunal announced plans to issue a pre-hearing report for the cases on Monday, January 20, outlining the procedural roadmap for subsequent proceedings.

Legal experts have highlighted the complexities surrounding the tribunal’s reserved rulings. Dr. Funmi Adebayo, a constitutional lawyer, emphasized that reserving rulings is standard practice in high-stakes election disputes to ensure thorough judicial consideration.

“This approach allows the tribunal to consolidate its findings and deliver comprehensive judgments that address all issues raised,” Dr. Adebayo explained.

Political analyst Ovie Oghenero added that the multiplicity of petitions reflects broader tensions in Edo State politics. “This tribunal is not just about electoral law but also about political legitimacy. The outcome will have a significant impact on Governor Okpebholo’s ability to govern effectively,” Oghenero noted.

The legal challenges against Governor Okpebholo’s election have kept political stakeholders and citizens in suspense.

Observers warn that prolonged litigation could impact governance and stability in Edo State, emphasizing the need for timely resolution of the disputes.