Edo Election Tribunal Affirms Okpebholo as Governor

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has upheld the victory of Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo State. In a unanimous decision across three separate judgments, the tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance, and Accord Party, all of which sought to challenge Okpebholo’s election.

The tribunal ruled that the PDP, which had alleged overvoting, failed to provide sufficient evidence to substantiate its claims. The party, according to the tribunal, did not call any polling unit agents from the areas where it alleged electoral irregularities. Also, of the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while the key witness, a director of strategy for the PDP had no direct involvement in the election process.

The tribunal further noted that the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) devices tendered by the petitioners were deemed inadequate, as they were not properly presented or substantiated. As a result, the tribunal concluded that the election was conducted in accordance with the law, affirming Okpebholo’s victory.

The decision has brought a significant resolution to the post-election legal challenges and has solidified Monday Okpebholo’s position as the elected governor of Edo State.

Meanwhile, PDP’s Ighodalo, with the assistance of his legal team, has vowed to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal.