The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance, AA,against Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress, APC.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday in Abuja, reinforces the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s victory and the APC’s mandate in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election.
In delivering the judgment, the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, described the petition as frivolous and lacking in merit. The tribunal held that the petitioner, Mr. Adekunle Omoaje, lacked the legal standing to file the case, thereby invalidating his claims from the onset.
According to the tribunal, Omoaje did not participate in the governorship election, which disqualified him from questioning its validity under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The tribunal further observed that Omoaje’s grievance stemmed from his claim that he was not recognized as the National Chairman of the Action Alliance for the purpose of nominating a candidate for the election. The tribunal, however, ruled that this claim had no legal basis under the Electoral Act, as issues of party leadership are internal matters that do not constitute grounds for challenging an election result.
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Omoaje and the AA had approached the tribunal seeking to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo and the APC as winners of the September 21, 2024, election. They argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission acted illegally and unlawfully in declaring the APC’s candidate victorious. Additionally, they alleged that the election was marred by widespread corruption and that Okpebholo and the APC did not secure the majority of lawful votes cast in the election.
Another central argument presented by the petitioners was that the AA was denied the opportunity to nominate a lawful governorship candidate because Omoaje, claiming to be the National Chairman of the party, did not sign the nomination form. This, they argued, rendered the process defective and the election outcome invalid. However, the tribunal dismissed this argument, reiterating that party leadership disputes do not fall within the jurisdiction of an election tribunal and must be resolved internally or in a different court of competent jurisdiction.
Following the ruling, counsel to the petitioners, Mr. Adewale Adebayo, expressed dissatisfaction with the tribunal’s decision. Speaking with newsmen after the judgment, Adebayo stated that he would communicate the tribunal’s decision to his client and await further instructions. While he did not immediately confirm whether the petitioners would appeal the judgment, legal analysts speculate that the matter could be taken to a higher court should the petitioners choose to challenge the ruling.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in the post-election legal proceedings in Edo State, reaffirming the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC. Political analysts believe that the dismissal of the petition will strengthen the administration’s legitimacy and allow the governor to focus on governance without the distractions of prolonged legal battles.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the Edo State political landscape have reacted to the judgment with mixed feelings. Supporters of the APC have hailed the ruling as a victory for democracy and due process, while members of the opposition, particularly within the Action Alliance, have expressed disappointment, arguing that the tribunal failed to address their concerns adequately.
As the legal dust settles, all eyes will be on the petitioners to determine whether they will seek further redress in higher courts. For now, Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC can move forward with their plans for governance.
Crediblenewng.com
