Security agencies have been warned by the All Progressives Congress (APC) about a planned demonstration by PDP supporters to “influence” proceedings at the Edo governorship election petition tribunal.
According to reports, the demonstration is set for Tuesday in Abuja.
In a statement released on Monday, Jarrett Tenebe, the chairman of the APC in Edo state, urged security personnel to be on the lookout for any potential disruption at the attorney-general’s office by the protesters.
Tenebe asked members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Army to keep an eye on the situation.
“The disruption allegedly aims to influence the ongoing Edo State Governorship tribunal”, Tenebe said.
The ruling party, he added, will not stand for any attempt to undermine the legal system or disturb the peace.
On January 25, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was moved from Benin City to Abuja, days after a gunfire incident interrupted one of its sessions, causing panic among lawyers, tribunal members, and attendees as a man fired a locally made gun into the air, causing the PDP and APC to exchange blame.
On September 24, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proclaimed Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, the victor of the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Okpebholo received 291,667 votes, defeating his closest opponent, PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, who received 247,274 votes, Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), polled a distant third with 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo and PDP have been challenging Okpebholo’s victory at the tribunal.
