The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and its governorship candidate, Adekunle Omoaje, challenging the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The tribunal, in its ruling, upheld the legitimacy of the election conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), affirming that Governor Okpebholo’s victory was in compliance with electoral laws and guidelines. The three-member panel, after thorough deliberation, found the petition lacking in merit and subsequently struck it out.
The Action Alliance and its candidate had approached the tribunal, seeking to nullify Okpebholo’s election on grounds of alleged irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws. However, the tribunal held that the petitioners failed to provide substantial evidence to back their claims, thereby rendering their case unsustainable.
Reacting to the judgment, Governor Okpebholo hailed the tribunal’s decision as a victory for democracy and the people of Edo State. He urged opposition parties to join hands with his administration in fostering development and progress across the state.
Meanwhile, the Action Alliance has yet to make an official statement regarding the ruling, leaving political analysts speculating on the party’s next course of action.
With this judgment, Governor Okpebholo’s mandate remains intact, reinforcing the credibility of the electoral process that brought him into office. Political stakeholders have since called for unity and peaceful coexistence as Edo State moves forward under the APC-led administration.
