The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its candidate, Adekunle Omoaje, challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a judgment delivered on Wednesday, the three-member panel struck out the petition, declaring it as lacking merit and frivolous.
The tribunal held that the allegations raised by AA and Omoaje were unsubstantiated and did not warrant the annulment of Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Grounds for the Petition
AA and Omoaje had approached the tribunal, contesting the legitimacy of Okpebholo’s election on multiple grounds.
The petitioners alleged widespread electoral malpractice, corrupt practices, and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
They claimed that the APC candidate did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that the declaration of Okpebholo as the duly elected governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was unconstitutional and illegal.
Furthermore, the petitioners contended that Action Alliance was denied the opportunity to field a governorship candidate due to internal party disputes.
They argued that the nomination form had not been signed by the party’s National Chairman, thereby nullifying Okpebholo’s candidacy from the outset.
INEC’s Declaration and Tribunal’s Verdict
Following the September 21, 2024, election, INEC declared Monday Okpebholo the winner with a total of 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 247,655 votes.
During the tribunal hearing, Okpebholo’s legal team and INEC’s representatives urged the court to dismiss the petition, arguing that the claims made by AA and Omoaje were baseless and did not meet the necessary legal requirements for overturning an election.
In its judgment, the tribunal ruled that Omoaje lacked the legal standing to challenge the election outcome since he did not participate as a candidate in the poll.
The court emphasized that only individuals who actively contested the election have the right to challenge the validity of the results.
Additionally, the tribunal noted that Omoaje’s grievances stemmed from internal party disputes within AA, particularly his lack of recognition as the party’s National Chairman by INEC.
The tribunal held that intra-party affairs are beyond its jurisdiction and should be resolved within the internal structures of the party or at the Federal High Court. Consequently, the tribunal dismissed the petition in its entirety.
Reactions to the Judgment
The ruling has sparked reactions from political stakeholders and analysts. The APC in Edo State hailed the decision as a victory for democracy, stating that it reaffirms the will of the people as expressed through the ballot box.
Speaking after the verdict, Okpebholo thanked his supporters and assured the people of Edo State that he remains committed to fulfilling his campaign promises. “This victory is for the people of Edo State. I urge my opponents to join hands with me in moving our dear state forward,” he said.
On the other hand, the PDP has yet to issue an official response, though party insiders suggest that they are closely monitoring the tribunal proceedings, especially as other petitions challenging Okpebholo’s election remain pending.
For Action Alliance, the outcome represents a significant setback. While Omoaje has not explicitly stated his next course of action, legal experts believe he may appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal, though his chances of success remain slim given the tribunal’s emphatic dismissal of his claims.
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal analysts have described the tribunal’s ruling as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s electoral laws. Constitutional lawyer, Barrister Adewale Omotosho, stated that the judgment underscores the importance of party discipline and adherence to electoral guidelines.
“The tribunal has made it clear that only candidates who actively participated in an election can challenge its outcome.
Also, intra-party disputes should be settled internally or in the appropriate courts before an election takes place,” Omotosho said.
He further emphasized that Nigeria’s electoral process is gradually strengthening, as baseless petitions are increasingly being dismissed in favor of credible elections.
The dismissal of AA and Omoaje’s petition marks a crucial moment in Edo State’s post-election legal battles. With Okpebholo’s mandate reaffirmed, attention now shifts to other pending cases at the tribunal.
As the legal tussles continue, Edo’s political landscape remains dynamic, with parties strategizing for the next phase of governance and opposition.
For now, Governor Monday Okpebholo retains his seat, buoyed by the tribunal’s endorsement of his electoral victory.
The coming weeks will reveal whether his administration can foster unity among political stakeholders and drive the state toward progress and development.
