Edo Governorship Election Tribunal Set to Begin, Justice Kpochi to Lead Three-Man Panel

Toba Owojaiye reporting

Benin City, Edo State

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, set to convene soon in Benin City, will be presided over by a three-man panel of distinguished judges.

Truth Live News gathered that the tribunal is tasked with hearing petitions filed by political parties and their candidates who are challenging the results of the off-cycle governorship election held on September 21, 2024.

Justice W.I. Kpochi from Benue State has been appointed as the Chairman of the tribunal. He is a respected judge from the Benue High Court and has gained recognition for handling sensitive cases. In a recent case (Suit No. MHC/85/2023), Justice Kpochi interrogated the locus standi of the applicant, Terhide Utaan, before delivering an interim order. Complaints against the judge have been dismissed in the past due to a lack of merit and evidence of misconduct, reflecting his strong reputation for integrity.

Joining Justice Kpochi on the tribunal are two other judges: Justice A.A. Adewole from Ogun State, who has experience presiding over election tribunals, and Justice Z.T. Gani from Niger State, about whom less is publicly known but who brings his judicial expertise to the panel.

This tribunal represents the hope for many seeking justice, particularly in an election marked by competitive results. The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with 291,667 votes.

His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), received 247,655 votes, while the Labour Party (LP) candidate, Olumide Akpata, came third with 22,763 votes.

Only the PDP and its candidate have so far indicated their intention to challenge the election outcome at the tribunal. For many citizens, the judiciary remains the last hope for justice, especially in matters as pivotal as elections.

As the tribunal proceedings commence, there is great anticipation that justice will be delivered fairly and impartially, ensuring that the democratic process is upheld and that the people’s votes are truly respected.