Edo Election: How Okpebholo Floors Ighodalo Again *Judges Were Compromised – Imasogie *Okpebholo Dedicates Victory To Edo People

By Raphael Okhiria, Flourish Osetohanmen

The Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, has affirmed the election of Senator Monday Okpebolo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in the state.

The Tribunal in its judgement on Wednesday, stated that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), petition challenging the outcome of the 2024 governorship election failed, citing lack of competent witnesses and insufficient evidence to substantiate claims of electoral malpractice.

The PDP and its 2024 governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo had alleged that the failure to properly record electoral materials prior to the election had affected the results.

However, the tribunal found that while documents were submitted, no witnesses were called to properly authenticate them, rendering the evidence unsatisfactory.

Of the 19 witnesses presented by the petitioners, 14 were ward and local government agents, while their star witness, who claimed to be a director of strategy, played no direct role in the conduct of the election.

The tribunal noted that none of these witnesses provided testimony on the alleged failure of prior recording of electoral materials, deeming them incompetent to testify on the matter.

Furthermore, the tribunal emphasized that for allegations of over-voting to be proven, petitioners must provide oral evidence, in line with the precedent set by the Supreme Court.

It stressed that it is bound to adhere strictly to the Supreme Court’s roadmap in adjudicating election disputes.

Additionally, the tribunal observed that the witnesses called by the petitioners had no direct knowledge of events at the polling units, as they were not physically present during the election.

It therefore held that the petitioners should have called eyewitnesses with firsthand accounts to substantiate their claims.

Based on these findings, the tribunal ruled that the petitioners failed to meet the required burden of proof and subsequently affirmed Senator Monday Okpebholo as the duly elected governor of Edo state.

But reacting to the judgement delivered by the Edo State Election Petitions Tribunal, a top leader of the PDP in the state, Etose Dickson Imasogie, said the tribunal verdict was far below an average mark.

According to Etose Imasogie, “I’m seriously disappointed with the outcome of the tribunal judgement because they woefully failed to adhere to the electoral laws, especially sections which clearly stated that ‘it shall not be necessary for any party who alleges non-compliance with the provisions of this Act for the conduct of elections to call oral evidence if originals or certified true copies manifestly disclosed the non-compliance alleged’.

“Therefore, I seriously believe that the tribunal judgement was compromised”.

Similarly, a human activist based in Benin City, Comrade Dr. Oregbe Omorodion JP, reacting to the tribunal judgement, advised that: ” the judiciary should reclaim its lost glory. Money is not everything. If you lose your money or health, you have not lost everything but if you lose your good name, you have lost everything. You may lose everything on earth and you can still use your good name to open the door because a good name can open any closed door.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo who’s in high spirits and celebrating, is currently receiving congratulatory messages from members of his political party, friends and well-wishers.

The victorious governor expressed his profound gratitude to the Tribunal for their diligence and fairness, even as he also extends his sincere appreciation to the people of Edo State for their unwavering support and belief in his vision for a prosperous and united state.

“This victory is not mine alone, but a victory for every citizen and residents of Edo State. It is a mandate to continue the work we have started, to build a state where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We remain committed to our promise of good governance, transparency, and inclusive development.”

The Governor calls upon all citizens, including the opposition and The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, to join hands in the spirit of unity and work together for the progress of Edo State. It is time to put aside partisan differences and focus on the common goal of building a better future for our State.

He said his administration remains focused on delivering on its campaign promises and will not be distracted by frivolous litigation, adding that his administration is committed to serving the people of Edo State with dedication and integrity.

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