The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has upheld the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo, dismissing the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and Adekunle Omoaje.
The tribunal, in its Wednesday ruling, deemed the petition “lacking merit and frivolous,” striking it out. AA and Omoaje had contested Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, election, alleging electoral irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act. They argued Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that INEC’s declaration was invalid.
A key point of contention was Omoaje’s claim that AA was denied the opportunity to field a candidate due to INEC’s non-recognition of his nomination form as National Chairman.
The tribunal, however, ruled that Omoaje lacked the legal standing to challenge the election as he was not a participant. It further stated that his claims regarding his position as AA’s National Chairman were baseless under the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC had declared Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 247,655 votes. The tribunal’s decision effectively affirms Okpebholo’s victory.
