Edo Tribunal Showdown: APC Rests Case, Final Arguments Awaited

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday formally concluded its defence at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, closing its case in response to the petition challenging its victory in the September 21, 2024 election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

APC Abruptly Ends Defence

The decision to end the defence came unexpectedly, just a day after the APC—listed as the third respondent in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo—had presented four witnesses.

Earlier, the three-member tribunal panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had adjourned proceedings to allow the APC to submit additional documents for its remaining witnesses.

APC Declines Additional Witnesses

However, when the tribunal reconvened, APC counsel, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), announced that the party would not be presenting further witnesses, stating that the extensive documents already submitted, along with the cross-examination evidence, were sufficient to support the APC’s case.

“Considering all the outlined factors, we are satisfied with our case and hereby close the third respondent’s defence, with the permission of my Lordships,” Orbih declared.

With no objections from the petitioners, Justice Kpochi granted the request and scheduled March 3 for the adoption of final written addresses.

Final Submissions Timeline

The tribunal set a seven-day deadline for the respondents to file their final defence, while the petitioners have five days to respond. An additional three days was allocated for any legal replies from the respondents.

INEC Declares APC Winner Amidst Legal Dispute

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the Edo governorship election with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who secured 247,655 votes.

Dissatisfied with the outcome, PDP and Ighodalo petitioned the tribunal, citing alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act and errors in vote computation across over 700 polling units.

• INEC (first respondent) submitted 153 BVAS devices from 133 disputed polling units but did not call any witnesses.
• Governor Monday Okpebholo (second respondent) presented one witness.
• APC (third respondent) called four witnesses before closing its defence.

With all parties now awaiting the tribunal’s final decision, the legal battle over Edo’s governorship election heads to its next crucial phase.