Panel Rules Petition Lacks Merit, Beyond Jurisdiction
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja dismissed Action Alliance’s case against Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday.
The three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi ruled the petition lacked merit and fell outside its jurisdiction entirely.
Petitioners Cite Candidate Exclusion, Tribunal Rejects Claim
Petitioners argued that INEC unlawfully excluded their rightful candidate from the September 21, 2024, governorship election process unfairly.
They alleged INEC recognized an invalid candidate despite multiple court rulings favoring their lawful candidate’s nomination within party rules.
According to them, INEC’s omission violated Section 134(1)(b) of the Electoral Act and constituted electoral malpractice allegations significantly.
Additionally, they claimed Governor Okpebholo of APC failed to secure lawful votes and alleged widespread corrupt election practices.
Tribunal Upholds Preliminary Objections, Dismisses Case
The tribunal rejected all claims and upheld preliminary objections raised by INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and other respondents collectively.
The panel ruled the petition was statute-barred, lacking standing since AA’s chairman did not contest the election process.
AA’s initial candidate, Mr. Tom Iseghhi-Okojie, withdrew his candidacy supporting Governor Okpebholo days before election day.
With this ruling, Governor Okpebholo’s victory stands affirmed, conclusively ending Action Alliance’s legal challenge against the election results.
