The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) challenging the outcome of the state’s September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled against the case brought against the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The petition was filed by the AA and Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, who asked the tribunal to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo and the APC as winners of the election. He claimed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted the election in violation of the Electoral Act, rendering the result illegal and void.
Omoaje further accused the APC of corruption and argued that the party did not win the majority of valid votes. He also alleged that AA was denied the right to nominate a governorship candidate since he, as the party’s National Chairman, was not allowed to sign the nomination form.
However, the APC refuted these claims, stating that the petitioners, who alleged over-voting, did not provide enough evidence to support their case. The party argued that proving over-voting required testimonies from polling unit agents or eyewitnesses who witnessed the alleged irregularities. Since AA failed to meet this requirement, the APC urged the tribunal to dismiss the case, citing a lack of merit, jurisdiction, and competence.
The tribunal upheld the APC’s argument and struck out the petition, ruling that the petitioners did not provide sufficient proof. It also noted that only a candidate who participated in the election could legally challenge its outcome. Since AA’s candidate did not contest, the party lacked the legal standing to dispute the results.
Additionally, the tribunal ruled that Omoaje’s complaint stemmed from his claim of not being recognized as AA’s National Chairman for candidate nominations. However, it stated that his claims had no basis under the Electoral Act of 2022.
