The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has adjourned to Wednesday, January 15, following an application by the legal team of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Monday Okpebholo.
The Tribunal was billed to start the substantive hearing today, Monday, January 13, after the conclusion of the pre-hearing processes in December 2024.
At Monday’s sitting, the Assistant Secretary to the Tribunal read an application from the 1st and 2nd respondents seeking an adjournment till Wednesday 15th, January 2025 on the grounds that they have another matter coming up for hearing tomorrow (14th January, 2025) at the Supreme Court.
While the petitioners’ legal team acknowledged the short notice of the request—having been informed only on Sunday, January 12, 2025—they conditionally agreed to the adjournment. The concession at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal was granted on the understanding that the respondents would refrain from any further delays that could disrupt the tribunal’s schedule.The case was subsequently adjourned to Wednesday, January 15.
The petition, seen as a test case for Nigeria’s judicial system, continues to generate widespread interest, with citizens demanding transparency and timely justice.
No representatives of Governor Okpebholo or the INEC were available for comment at the time of reporting.
TAMO OF PDP IS CONFIDENT JUSTICE WILL BE DONE
As the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal begins substantive hearing of the petition filed by Asue Ighodalo and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the Team Asue Media Organisation has described the development as a pivotal phase in the quest for electoral justice for the people of Edo State and Nigeria at large.
The petition is challenging the declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the recently concluded gubernatorial election.
In a statement signed by Erhabor Emokpae in Benin City on Monday, TAMO affirmed that Ighodalo and the PDP remain steadfast in their confidence in the judicial process and trust that the compelling evidence to be presented will show the truth and lead to a restoration of the democratic mandate of the Edo people.
TAMO further affirmed Ighodalo’s commitment “to peaceful and constructive engagement throughout the process, as he calls on all supporters of democratic svalues to remain undaunted and maintain civility, despite heightened emotions.”
TAMO emphasised the need to hold institutions accountable, and counter any attempts at propaganda or violence with facts and transparency.
“In the battle for democracy, integrity and the rights of every Edo citizen, TAMO encourages the public to remain engaged, as their active interest and involvement are vital in ensuring the success of this tribunal.
“As the hearings continue, TAMO will provide accurate and timely updates to keep the public informed and actively counter misinformation. Together, we can ensure that justice prevails and democracy is strengthened in Edo State,” the statement said.
