The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment on Wednesday. This follows a legal challenge by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, against the declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The PDP and Ighodalo are contesting the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision, alleging that the election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.
Tribunal Proceedings and BVAS Evidence
The three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had on March 3 reserved judgment after hearing final arguments from all parties involved. The tribunal is expected to rule on three separate petitions: EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024, EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, and EPT/ED/GOV/03/2024.
One of the key aspects of the legal proceedings was the admission of evidence related to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). On January 31, the tribunal admitted 148 BVAS machines used during the governorship poll. These electronic devices were presented by Anthony Itodo, a Senior Technical Officer in INEC’s ICT Department, and were subpoenaed by the petitioners as part of their challenge against the election results.
The PDP and Ighodalo specifically requested INEC to produce BVAS data from 133 polling units where they alleged voting irregularities occurred. The submission of this evidence was a critical moment in the case, as it sought to demonstrate discrepancies in voter accreditation and result collation.
Election Results and Legal Arguments
According to INEC’s official declaration, Okpebholo of the APC won the election with 291,667 votes, while Ighodalo of the PDP secured 247,655 votes. The PDP’s legal team has argued that the election was fundamentally flawed, citing instances of vote suppression, overvoting, and procedural violations.
The petitioners are urging the tribunal to nullify Okpebholo’s victory and order a fresh election. Their primary contention is that the election was not conducted in substantial compliance with the Electoral Act, and as such, the results should not stand.
However, the APC and Okpebholo’s legal team have dismissed these allegations as baseless. They argue that the petitioners have failed to provide concrete evidence to substantiate their claims and have asked the tribunal to dismiss the case. They maintain that the election was free, fair, and conducted in accordance with legal and procedural requirements.
In their final written addresses, the petitioners reiterated that the tribunal must consider the weight of the evidence presented, including testimonies from electoral officers and witnesses who reported alleged irregularities. On the other hand, the APC’s lawyers countered that the petitioners’ case lacked merit, insisting that the allegations were politically motivated rather than fact-based.
Political Implications of the Judgment
The tribunal’s judgment will have significant implications for Edo State’s political landscape. A ruling in favor of the PDP could lead to a rerun election, reshaping political alliances and campaign strategies. Conversely, a dismissal of the petitions would solidify Okpebholo’s position as the duly elected governor, reinforcing the APC’s hold on the state.
Beyond Edo State, the ruling could set a precedent for election dispute resolutions in Nigeria. The increased reliance on BVAS technology in elections has sparked discussions about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, with this case serving as an important test of how courts interpret and assess electronic evidence.
Political analysts are closely watching the outcome, as it could impact future electoral disputes across the country. If the PDP’s petition is upheld, it may encourage more legal challenges in future elections, while a dismissal could reinforce the credibility of INEC’s processes.
The role of the judiciary in electoral matters has been a subject of debate in Nigeria, with many citizens expressing concerns over judicial independence and the influence of political interests. This tribunal’s ruling will be scrutinized for fairness and adherence to due process.
Security Measures and Public Reaction
In anticipation of the judgment, security agencies have been placed on high alert to prevent any potential unrest. Edo State has a history of political tensions, and authorities are working to ensure that the ruling, whichever way it goes, does not lead to violence.
Both PDP and APC supporters have expressed confidence in their cases, with party leaders urging calm ahead of the tribunal’s verdict. Civil society organizations and election monitoring groups have also called for peace, emphasizing that the rule of law must prevail.
Regardless of the verdict, reactions from political stakeholders, party supporters, and the general public will be swift. If Okpebholo’s victory is upheld, the APC is likely to celebrate the ruling as a validation of their mandate, while the PDP may seek legal redress through the appellate process. If the tribunal annuls the election, it would trigger fresh political maneuvering as both parties prepare for a possible rerun.
Conclusion
As the tribunal prepares to deliver its much-anticipated judgment, all eyes remain on Edo State, where the legal battle over the governorship election is reaching its climax. The ruling could define the future of electoral accountability in Nigeria and influence upcoming elections nationwide.
The verdict will not only determine the fate of the September 21, 2024, election but also shape public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. Political observers, legal experts, and citizens alike are awaiting the outcome with keen interest, hoping that justice will be served under the law.
