Election Petition: Tribunal Decides Winner of Edo Election as PDP, APC Seek Victory

Abuja Tribunal to decide the winner of Edo 2023 governorship election.

PDP, APC express victory at the Tribunal

The Edo Governorship election Petition case between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Alliance Progressive Congress (APC) at the Abuja Tribunal will be decided today.

The petition raised by the PDP over alleged election malpractice and irregularities by the APC had its final written addresses by both parties on March 3rd.

The Edo PDP accused the APC of tampering with election results which led to the declaration of Monday Okpebholo as the governor of the state.

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A three-man tribunal at the the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi will pass their final verdict on the case, and establish a winner for the 2023, Edo governorship election.

Meanwhile, both the APC and the PDP have expressed hopes of victory at the Tribunal ahead of the judgement.

The Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo sent a message of hope and unity while expressing confidence in the fairness of the Judiciary. In a statement made through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, he said:

“I have full confidence in our judiciary and its ability to deliver a fair and just judgment. I also have faith in the resilience and maturity of our people. Let us show the nation that we are people committed to democracy, peace, and progress.”

He also called for peace and unity, stressing that the progress of the state is paramount above the interest of any political group.

“I want to emphasize that our state’s progress and development are paramount. We must not allow political differences to disrupt the peace and harmony we have worked so hard to build. I call on all political leaders, community leaders, and citizens to respect the rule of law, maintain peace and order, embrace unity, and avoid spreading misinformation. I thank you for your understanding and cooperation. May God bless our state.”

The PDP spokesperson and Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare also stated that they have presented evidence of electoral irregularities in court and expressed hope of a fair judgement in the Tribunal.

“Our only wish is for the judges to be fair, transparent, and guided by the law. We trust that the verdict will reflect the evidence tendered, and we remain confident that we have done our part,” He stated.

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However, the APC acting state chairman, Jarret Tenebe countered the PDP claims and insisted that the PDP could not back up their petition with evidence as they failed to bring the total number of witnesses that the party said would testify at the tribunal.

Tenebe said, “If you challenge the outcome of an election or allege irregularities, you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt which the PDP failed to do.”

“The witnesses they brought were hear-say witnesses, and you must be able to prove that the election was marred with irregularities or did not follow the electoral process, but they didn’t prove all that.”

He expressed confidence in APC’s victory at the court today noting that they have good lawyers and gov. Okpebholo would be vindicated as the rightful owner of the seat.

“We are confident of victory because we have a good case, and our lawyers did a good job. APC and Governor Monday Okpebholo will be victorious to continue providing the dividend of democracy to the people of the state.”

Today 2nd of April is the day of the final verdict. Nigerians especially Edo State are expectant over the decision of the court as it would mark a new era of continuation of an era in the state.