Security Forces in Edo State on Wednesday kept vigil after activating their security response mode against violent protests over outcome of Edo State governorship election Petition Tribunal which upheld Monday Okpebholo’s election as the duly elected Governor in the September 21st 2024 Edo governorship poll.
Armed security operatives, comprising the Nigeria police, Department of State Security Service and local vigilantes, defied the rainfall, and mounted guards around potential flash points, including the King square in Benin City, New Benin market, Murtala Mohammed Way by 3rd junction, INEC offices and government installations in the State.
Earlier, Justice Wilfred Kpochi three-member panel dismissed Asue Ighodalo, Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party’s petition and upheld the election of Okpebholo.
The court accordingly dismissed Ighodalo’s petition, challenging the declaration of by the Independent National Electoral Commission in the disputed election.
After rejecting the verdict of the Tribunal in a statement, Ighodalo stated that he has directed his legal team to appeal the judgment.
While thanking his supporters and members of PDP for their support so far, declared that he remains “steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy”.
“While we all may not agree with the verdict, we however remain steadfast in our belief that the rule of law must remain the bedrock of our democracy.
“Our pursuit of justice in this regard is an affirmation of our firm belief that the right of the good people of Edo State to freely choose their leaders through a credible, free and fair electoral process must never be compromised.
“As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement.
“However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I on the platform of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)”, Ighodalo said.
Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), clinger the third position with 22,763 votes.
Unsatisfied with the outcome of the election, the Candidate of PDP and PDP, approached the tribunal to challenge the outcome, arguing that election was invalid because of alleged non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
Ighodalo and PDP had asked the court to nullify the declaration of Okpebholo as winner on stating that the election was allegedly marred by irregularities and electoral malpractices.
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