The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will today deliver its judgment on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
The petition challenges the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The PDP and Ighodalo allege that the election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws.
A three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, reserved judgment in the petition on March 3, after parties adopted their final written addresses.
However, a leaked copy of the judgment circulated online on Tuesday, dismissing the petition and affirming Okpebholo’s election.
The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, dismissed the leaked judgment, stating that it is not right to believe unverified information online.
Ologunagba expressed skepticism about the integrity of the Nigerian judiciary, saying, “Obviously, there’s nothing optimistic about the Nigerian judiciary.”
Meanwhile, Governor Monday Okpebholo has urged residents of Edo State to maintain peace and order ahead of the tribunal’s judgment.
Okpebholo expressed confidence in the judiciary and its ability to deliver a fair and just judgment.
The governor emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and harmony in the state, regardless of the tribunal’s decision.