Because the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal resumes sitting on Monday in Benin Metropolis, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had been gearing up for what might be a decisive authorized battle over the end result of the September 21 gubernatorial election.
The case has sparked blended reactions throughout the state, with optimism amongst PDP supporters and unease inside the APC’s ranks.
The PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is difficult the election outcomes declared by the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC); with the Edo State chairman of the PDP alleging that the APC and INEC colluded to control the method.
The petition highlights alleged irregularities, together with substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, inflated votes in APC strongholds and the illegal cancellation of PDP votes in key native authorities areas.
Forward of the tribunal’s first sitting, PDP spokesperson Barrister Tony Ehilebo expressed confidence within the get together’s case. “We have now offered overwhelming proof to show that the election was rigged. We’re assured the tribunal will restore the mandate stolen from the individuals of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy,” he mentioned.
The APC, nonetheless, dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless. Chief Alex Okosun, an APC chieftain described the authorized problem as “sacrilegious.” “Politicians should cease litigating each election. Asue is Senator Monday Okpebholo’s Esan brother. He ought to let bygones be bygones and be a part of the Governor to maneuver Edo ahead. We have now lastly gotten an Esan governor; that’s the most important factor,” the chieftain mentioned, including that the APC stays assured within the legitimacy of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s mandate.
