Opposition Parties Unite to Challenge APC in Edo Governorship Election

Legal Battle Begins Over Edo Governorship Election Results: The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are gearing up for a legal faceoff as the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal begins hearings on the challenges to the results of the September 21, 2024, election....CONTINUE READING>>>

INEC’s Declared Results
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner, securing 291,667 votes, while Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP came second with 247,274 votes. Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.

PDP Rejects Outcome
The PDP and its candidate, Ighodalo, have rejected the results, alleging widespread electoral manipulation. They have filed a petition seeking to overturn the declared results and have Ighodalo recognized as the rightful winner.

Edo PDP Caretaker Chairman, Tony Aziegbemi, expressed confidence in the judiciary, stating:

“We trust the judiciary to examine the evidence dispassionately and deliver justice. Our legal team is prepared to prove that the election was stolen by the APC.”

APC Stands Firm
On the other hand, APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie dismissed the PDP’s claims, asserting that the party is fully prepared to defend its victory.

“Our legal team consists of some of the best minds, and we are ready to expose any baseless allegations. The integrity of this tribunal will ensure that justice prevails.”

Tribunal to Hear Seven Petitions
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, will handle seven petitions, including the PDP’s challenge to the results and others from the Accord Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Allied Peoples Movement (APM), which have also raised objections against the election outcome.

The legal battle promises to be a high-stakes contest as all parties present their cases before the tribunal in the coming weeks.