The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
During a pre-hearing session on Wednesday, the APC’s counsel, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), argued that the petition was legally flawed and should be dismissed. He claimed the petition did not comply with legal requirements and asserted that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case. Orbih cited several grounds for dismissal, which were outlined in a motion dated November 30, supported by a seven-paragraph affidavit.
In response, PDP’s counsel, Ken Mozia (SAN), rejected the APC’s motion. Mozia urged the tribunal to disregard the APC’s arguments, asserting that the PDP had filed a reply and counter-affidavit to challenge the motion.
The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, announced that a ruling on the motion would be reserved until the final day of the case.
In a separate motion, the APC also sought to strike out specific paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. Orbih requested that the tribunal rule on this matter before proceeding with the hearing. However, the PDP’s counsel opposed the motion, urging the tribunal to dismiss it on the grounds of lack of merit.
Justice Kpochi rejected the APC’s request, emphasizing that all rulings on preliminary motions would be delivered on the final day of judgment. “I have heard the argument from both counsel, including the APC’s call for a ruling to dismiss the petition. The ruling will be given on the final day,” he stated.
Earlier in the proceedings, the PDP filed four separate motions seeking to expunge certain paragraphs from the responses of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Okpebholo to its petition.
The tribunal adjourned to Saturday for the parties to file a common proposal to guide the tribunal during the hearing.
The PDP is challenging the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21 election by INEC. According to INEC’s official results, Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, and Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes.
