Edo Tribunal Dismisses Action Alliance’s Petition Against Okpebholo
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja has dismissed the petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and Adekunle Omoaje against the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In its ruling on Wednesday, the three-member tribunal described the petition as lacking merit and frivolous.
Omoaje and the AA had contested Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, alleging corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
They claimed that Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that the declaration of his victory by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was illegal and unconstitutional.
The petitioners also argued that AA was denied the opportunity to field a candidate because the party’s nomination form had not been signed by its National Chairman.
INEC had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,655 votes.
The tribunal ruled that Omoaje lacked the legal standing to challenge the election, as he did not participate in the poll.
It further held that his claims, arising from his non-recognition as AA’s National Chairman by INEC, had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022.
Consequently, the tribunal dismissed the petition in its entirety.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
