All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declare ready for legal showdown as Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal begins hearing petitions challenging September 21, 2024 election results did.
According to Naija News, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared APC’s Senator Monday Okpebolo the winner of the election and PDP’s Dr. Asue Ighodalo as the runner-up. Mr. Okpebolo received 291,667 votes and Mr. Ighodaro received 247,274 votes. Labor candidate Olumide Akpata followed with 22,763 votes.
However, the PDP and its candidates rejected the results, citing widespread manipulation. They filed a petition with the court seeking to overturn the results.
Ahead of today’s pre-trial hearing, Edo PDP caretaker chairman, Tony Agiegbemi, called for a fair consideration of the evidence presented, Punch reported.
“We trust the judiciary to dispassionately examine the evidence and deliver justice. Our lawyers are ready to prove that the election was stolen by the APC,” Agiegbemi said. said. “The evidence overwhelmingly supports our claims and we are confident of a fair outcome.”
On the contrary, the APC expressed confidence in defending its victory. The APC Publicity Secretary, Mr. Peter Uwadeye Igbinigi, assured the party of its readiness, stressing the strength of the defense team and the integrity of the court.
“We are ready to respond to the PDP’s petition. Our legal team is made up of highly qualified people and we are ready to expose any untoward acts by the PDP,” Uwadeye Igbinigyi said. he said. “This court is made up of individuals with proven integrity, and I believe they will uphold justice.”
He added: “Edo people will understand that the PDP has lost its electoral relevance in the state, but the APC remains committed to delivering programs that will improve the lives of the people. ” he added.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, will hear seven petitions, including the PDP’s petition to annul the election and declare Mr Ighodalo the rightful winner.
Other petitioners such as Accord Party, Social Democratic Party and Allied Peoples Movement are also contesting the results naming INEC, Okpeboro and APC as respondents.
