APC, PDP Clash At Edo Election Tribunal Over Dismissals Of Petition, See Details
The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has become a battleground for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as they clash over the dismissal of a petition filed by the PDP challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo. The APC urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition, describing it as incompetent and lacking in merit.
During a pre-hearing sitting in Benin, the APC's Counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, argued that the petition was not filed in accordance with the law and therefore the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to entertain it. The PDP's Counsel, Ken Mozia, countered the argument and urged the tribunal to dismiss the motion.
The tribunal's chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, reserved ruling on the motion until the final judgment day. In a separate motion, the APC requested the tribunal to strike out specific paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
The PDP is challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21 election. INEC reported that Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, defeating the PDP's Ighodalo with 247,274 votes and the Labour Party's Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes.
The tribunal adjourned the case to Saturday for the parties to file a common proposal to guide the tribunal during the hearing. The APC and PDP have been at loggerheads over the outcome of the September 21 election, with the PDP alleging that the election was rigged in favor of the APC.
As the tribunal continues to hear the petition, the people of Edo State await the outcome with bated breath. The APC and PDP have both expressed confidence in their respective positions, but only time will tell who will emerge victorious. One thing is certain, however: the outcome of the petition will have far-reaching implications for the people of Edo State and the future of democracy in Nigeria.
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