Edo PDP Rejects Tribunal Ruling, Ighodalo to Appeal - Governor Okpebholo's Victory in Edo Election

 

Governor Okpebholo celebrates victory in Edo State.

The Edo PDP has rejected the tribunal’s verdict. The tribunal in Abuja upheld Governor Monday Okpebholo’s win. It dismissed the PDP and Ighodalo petitions.


The panel ruled in a clear, short judgment. It said the petitioners did not call strong witnesses. The tribunal noted the claims of over-voting and non-compliance were not proven.


Officials at the tribunal stressed that the burden to prove misdeeds was on the PDP. They saw the documents as weak and the witness evidence as hearsay. The tribunal did not see enough proof from the 19 witnesses.


Governor Okpebholo won by a clear vote margin. INEC declared he had 291,667 votes. His rival, Ighodalo, got 247,655 votes. The tribunal said the vote count was fair and the law was followed.


In response, the Edo PDP said the ruling is a “travesty of justice.” The party’s state leader, Tony Aziegbemi, said the PDP believes its candidate was duly elected. He called on members to prepare for a court battle.


Ighodalo released his own statement. He said the petition was strong in its own right. He vowed to take the case to the Court of Appeal. Ighodalo stressed his fight is for the people’s right to choose their leader.


Experts note that the tribunal found the PDP’s evidence lacking. The panel said that the petitioners dumped documents without a proper witness. It added that BVAS machines were not switched on to prove any claim.


Other parties also saw their petitions dismissed. The tribunal struck out cases by Action Alliance and Accord Party. They cited issues of jurisdiction and weak evidence.


Governor Okpebholo thanked the voters in his statement. He dedicated his win to the people of Edo State. He extended an olive branch to Ighodalo. He asked all parties to work together for the state’s progress.


Leaders from both sides call for calm. They stress the need to uphold the law and let the courts decide. The PDP and its candidate plan to study the judgment. They will then decide on further action.


Many experts say this ruling shows the strength of Nigeria’s electoral process. They note that proper witness evidence is needed to contest results. They also say the case is now set for the next stage in the Court of Appeal.


Both sides agree that the people’s voice must be respected. The ruling is expected to stir more debate. Constructive discussion will help clear doubts on electoral matters.


This story brings many lessons for Nigerian democracy. Clear evidence is key in disputes. The ruling stands as a reminder to all parties to present strong proof when challenging an election.


Stay tuned as the legal battle moves to the next stage. The coming days will show how the Court of Appeal handles the PDP’s challenge. For now, Governor Okpebholo remains in office as the duly elected governor of Edo State.