The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed the Accord Party’s petition challenging the victory of Monday Okpebholo and the All-Progressive Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024 election.
The three-member tribunal ruled on Wednesday that the petition lacked merit and was not substantiated by facts. It stated that the Accord Party and its candidate failed to prove their claims beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Accord Party had sought to annul the election and call for a rerun, claiming that Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of valid votes. They also alleged electoral fraud, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and irregularities such as multiple thumbprinting, violence, and intimidation.
However, the tribunal found that the petitioners did not provide evidence pinpointing the specific polling units or wards where these alleged issues occurred. It also ruled that the first petitioner lacked the legal standing to file the case.
In a unanimous decision, the tribunal declared, “This petition is hereby struck out for incompetence and lack of jurisdiction.” The tribunal is also set to rule on a separate petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo.