On Tuesday, both the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed as fake the copies of an alleged judgment from the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal that circulated online. APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, expressed confidence that the ruling party would win the judgment and accused the PDP of leaking a fake ruling, knowing they would lose.
Meanwhile, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, accused the APC of leaking the fake judgment to test public reaction, while claiming that the tribunal’s proceedings suggested a victory for the PDP.
The three-member tribunal, sitting in Abuja, announced that it would deliver its judgment on Wednesday regarding the petition filed by the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the September 21, 2024, election results. The PDP and Ighodalo rejected the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Governor Monday Okpebholo of the APC won with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who secured 247,655 votes. They claimed the election was marred by irregularities, including over-voting, improper ballot serialization, and errors in result collation.
The petitioners presented 19 witnesses and various documents to support their claims, while Okpebholo called one witness, and the APC called four. INEC did not call any witnesses. The tribunal concluded hearings on March 3, reserving judgment until a later date.
On Tuesday, just hours after the tribunal announced the judgment would be delivered on Wednesday, copies of the purported ruling surfaced online, alleging a two-to-one split decision. In response, Osadolor criticized the APC, accusing them of orchestrating the leak to influence public opinion. He also warned President Bola Tinubu against interfering with the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of a fair and transparent process.
Osadolor expressed confidence in the PDP’s victory, pointing out that both the APC and INEC failed to present adequate evidence to defend the election results. He also urged Nigerians to forgive the perpetrators of electoral malpractice and move forward.
In contrast, Ibrahim from the APC accused the PDP of being behind the leak, stating that their knowledge of the judgment’s movement suggested their involvement. He criticized the PDP for attempting to create confusion and preempt the outcome, insisting that the APC had no access to the tribunal’s decision before it was officially released.
Ibrahim expressed optimism about the APC’s chances, reiterating their belief that the judgment would be in their favor.