As the sitting/pre-hearing on the petitions contesting the announcement of Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the victor of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election in the state began, party supporters clashed yesterday at the High Court premises in Benin, Edo State. Supporters of several political parties were seen sprinting in various directions within the court grounds in a widely shared video clip.
Recall that on Sunday, September 22, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proclaimed APC Senator Monday Okpebholo the victor of the election after he received 291,667 votes, defeating Dr. Asue and candidates from the PDP and LP. Barr. Olumide Akpata and Ighodalo received 22,763 votes, 247 votes, and 274 votes, respectively.
Dissatisfied with the declaration of INEC, the PDP and six other political parties who participated in the poll approached the tribunal to challenge the declaration by the electoral umpire.
The three-man tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, is expected to hear seven petitions filed by different political parties and their candidates.
The PDP, in particular, is asking the tribunal to nullify the result and, instead, declare its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, the winner of the election.
