In the chronicles of Nigerian democracy, the judiciary has repeatedly stood as the unwavering sentinel of justice, delivering decisions that resonate through time. One such epochal moment was on November 11, 2008, when the Justice Ayo Salami-led Appeal Court overturned the electoral victory of Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite the central government being helmed by the same party. The audacity of that decision left even the most seasoned political analysts agape, shattering the myth that a sitting governor, especially one aligned with the ruling party at the federal level, was invincible.
That ruling was celebrated as a resounding victory for democracy and the rule of law. The reverberations of that decision were magnified by the admission of the then-president, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, that the very election which ushered him into power in 2007 had been tainted.
Today, history appears to be echoing itself, as Edo State finds itself embroiled in yet another significant electoral dispute. The 2024 gubernatorial elections, adjudged by many—both local and international observers—to be the most flawed since the return to civilian rule in 1999, have cast a long shadow over Nigeria’s electoral credibility. In stark defiance of constitutional provisions designed to ensure free and fair elections, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has brazenly manipulated the process. Their now-infamous refrain encapsulates their audacity: “Go to court.”
The Nigerian judiciary has long been heralded as the last hope of the common man. However, that reputation has been tested, and many citizens who recall the boldness of the 2008 Edo ruling were left bewildered by the Supreme Court’s ruling that installed Senator Hope Uzodinma as the governor of Imo State. This outcome continues to defy both logic and popular expectations. This decision remains an enigma to the average Nigerian, casting doubt on the impartiality of the judiciary in the eyes of some.
In Edo, the APC’s desperation was palpable as they sought to impede the judicial process. Their chairman, Jarret Tenebe, orchestrated a campaign of intimidation and thuggery designed to prevent the PDP and its candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, from filing a petition within the stipulated timeline. Despite these ignoble efforts, the PDP successfully filed their case before the election tribunal, an accomplishment that pundits have hailed as the first victory in the long battle for justice. For many, this success is a precursor to a larger triumph—a reclaiming of the mandate that the people of Edo, by all accounts, freely bestowed upon Mr. Ighodalo.
A particular point of contention in the ongoing tribunal proceedings lies in the glaring discrepancies between the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and those displayed on its website. The dubious figures declared, especially from the local government areas of Egor, Etsako West, Ikpoba Okha, and Oredo, point to an orchestrated manipulation that has sparked widespread outcry. This flagrant subversion of the electoral process cannot be ignored, and the people of Edo are rightfully demanding redress.
On September 21, 2024, the citizens of Edo State demonstrated their unwavering commitment to democracy by turning out in droves to perform their civic duties. However, their collective will was flagrantly disregarded, and their votes were undermined by a cabal determined to retain power by any means necessary. Yet, despite the egregious nature of these transgressions, the people remain hopeful. They draw inspiration from November 11, 2008, when the judiciary restored the rightful mandate in its infinite wisdom.
The task before the Election Petition Tribunal is monumental, but the people of Edo State are confident that justice will prevail again. They believe the tribunal will restore the mandate they freely gave to Mr. Ighodalo and uphold it through the appellate courts, culminating in the Supreme Court if necessary.
The Nigerian judiciary, though battered by moments of controversy, still stands as the last hope of the common man. In a country where institutions are often compromised, the judiciary holds the key to ensuring the survival of democracy. The judiciary’s integrity is anchored in its justices’ moral rectitude and legal sagacity, who a sense of duty and fairness must guide, and—above all—the fear of God.
There is a palpable sense of anticipation as the people of Edo State await the outcome of this pivotal legal battle. The tribunal’s decision and the decisions that may follow will not only determine the political future of Edo. Still, they will also serve as a barometer for the state of democracy in Nigeria. Will the judiciary live up to its billing as the last hope of the common man, or will it falter under the weight of political pressure?
For now, the people’s faith in the judiciary remains intact, bolstered by the knowledge that, in 2008, justice was not only done but seen to be done. The hope is that this time around, the courts will once again rise to the occasion, ensuring that the will of the people prevails, and that Edo State can move forward under the leadership of the man they duly elected, Mr. Asue Ighodalo.
The fight for justice in Edo is far from over, but with a judiciary committed to upholding the rule of law, the stolen mandate can and will be retrieved. The people of Edo, and indeed all Nigerians, are watching closely. The judiciary’s decision in this case will reverberate far beyond the borders of Edo, setting a precedent for electoral justice in the years to come.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray is the
Publisher Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News, a Political Pundit and Media Consultant, he writes from London, United Kingdom