Tension is at an all-time high in Edo State as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its much-anticipated judgment tomorrow, April 2.
The tribunal’s ruling will determine the fate of the state’s leadership, following a fiercely contested election that has been marred by allegations of irregularities, voter suppression, and manipulation.
The legal battle, which has dragged on for months, has seen major political parties and their candidates present evidence and arguments to challenge or defend the legitimacy of the election results.
Supporters of the ruling and opposition parties are anxiously awaiting the verdict, with security agencies reportedly on high alert to prevent any potential outbreak of violence.
Political analysts believe that the tribunal’s decision could have far-reaching consequences, potentially reshaping Edo State’s political landscape.
A ruling in favor of the incumbent could further cement the ruling party’s hold on power, while a nullification or overturning of the results could trigger fresh elections or even a transfer of power.
Residents of Edo State are urged to remain peaceful and respect the tribunal’s judgment, regardless of the outcome.
The judgment, expected to be delivered in Abuja, will be a defining moment for democracy in Edo state.
It would be recall that in the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, the APC candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo was declared the winner by INEC.
Okpebholo secured a total of 291, 667 votes while the PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo received 247, 274 votes.
The Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata, finished third with 22, 763 votes.
The APC won in 11 of the 18 local government areas in the state while PDP secured the victories in the remaining LGAs.
The total number of votes cast was 613, 244 with 582, 299 valid votes and 30, 945 rejected votes.
These contested results by the PDP which has called for a review of the collated results, alleging discrepancies between the announced figure and those uploaded on the INEC Result Viewing Portal (ReV).
More updates to follow as the situation unfolds.
Breaking:
Good Evening Learned Counsel.
I am directed to notify you that the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in NJI Abuja has fixed Wednesday, the 2nd of April, 2025, for Judgment in (1)EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024.
(2)EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 and,
(3)EPT/ED/GOV/03/2024.
*TAKE NOTICE, please* .
M. I. Bagudu, Esq.
Secretary, EPT Edo State.
