In the case brought by PDP candidate Asue Ighodalo, who is contesting the results of the state’s September 21, 2024, governorship election, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja is set to issue its eagerly awaited ruling today.
A major step toward the conclusion of the controversial issue was taken on March 3, 2025, when the three-member panel, presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, reserved its ruling following the adoption of the parties’ final written addresses.
Ighodalo and the PDP are contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory, claiming that the election was tainted by anomalies and did not adhere to the Electoral Act, 2022.
The petitioners contend that significant legal provisions were broken throughout the election process, which should render the outcome void.
Throughout the proceedings, the PDP produced a number of papers and 19 witnesses to back up their assertions. Four witnesses were called by the APC, which is represented by its legal staff, to testify in support of the election results.
During the tribunal proceedings, no witnesses were called by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which oversaw the election. Given that it will decide whether Governor Okpebholo’s election is upheld or void, the ruling is anticipated to have major political repercussions in Edo State.
