The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, have rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Okpebholo, won the Edo State governorship election. They petitioned the tribunal, citing irregularities, including over-voting, improper collation of results, and non-serialisation of ballots. The PDP presented 19 witnesses and subpoenaed an INEC official, while the APC called four witnesses, and INEC chose not to present any.
As the tribunal prepared to deliver its judgment, alleged leaked copies surfaced online, suggesting a split decision. The PDP accused the APC of orchestrating the leak to gauge public reaction, while the APC countered that the PDP was responsible. Both parties remain confident of victory, with the PDP insisting it provided sufficient evidence to annul the election, while the APC dismissed the PDP’s claims as baseless.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, is set to deliver its ruling, with both sides and the public awaiting the outcome amid heightened political tension.
