BREAKING: Edo Election Tribunal Rejects AA’s Petition Against Gov. Okpebholo

The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled on Wednesday that the petition filed by AA and its National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, was without merit. The three-member panel determined that the case raised issues relating to pre-election matters, which fell outside the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

The petitioners had argued, among other claims, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had unlawfully excluded their legitimate candidate from the September 21, 2024, governorship election. They alleged that INEC had accepted and recognized a candidate who was not validly nominated by their party, contrary to several court rulings.

The petitioners also argued that INEC’s failure to publish the name of their official candidate for the gubernatorial election violated provisions of section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act. Additionally, they contended that Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not secure a majority of valid votes, and that corrupt practices had tainted the election process. As a result, they sought to have the election annulled, but the tribunal rejected their request.

The panel also upheld all preliminary objections raised against the petition. Respondents, including INEC and Governor Okpebholo, had argued that AA’s National Chairman lacked the standing to file the petition since he did not participate in the election. They also contended that the petition was statute-barred, as it involved pre-election issues beyond the tribunal’s jurisdiction.

It is important to note that AA’s candidate, Mr. Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, had stepped down in favor of Governor Okpebholo just days before the 2024 election.