Breaking: Edo Tribunal Gives Verdict on Accord Party's Petition against Gov Okpebholo

• The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has given its verdict on Accord Party's petition against Governor Monday Okpebholo
• The election tribunal refused to nullify the election of Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
• The petitioners argued that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 7 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international

FCT, Abuja - The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, has refused to nullify the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The tribunal also refused to order the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to conduct a fresh governorship poll in Edo state.

As reported by Vanguard, the three-member panel of the tribunal led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi gave the unanimous decision on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

The Accord Party (AP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Bright Enabulele, filed the petition against Governor Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC)

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The tribunal held that the petition could not be granted as the petitioners failed to discharge the burden of proof placed on them by the law.

The panel noted that the petitioners alleged that the governorship election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and non-compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.

The tribunal said the Accord Party, however, failed to adduce any credible evidence to establish the allegation.

The tribunal said the petitioners made “general and sweeping allegations” against the outcome of the election.

The Justice Kpochi-led panel said the petitioners failed to bring particulars of exact polling units or wards where the alleged widespread rigging and non-compliance occurred.

The tribunal struck out the petition for being incompetent, describing some of the averments in the petition as “vague”.

The panel held that allegations against Governor Okpebholo’s victory were not substantiated.

The tribunal said it found merit in all the preliminary objections that were filed to challenge the competence of the petition.

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Legit.ng earlier reported that the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja reserved its ruling on the PDP and Asue Ighodalo's petition challenging Governor Okpebholo’s victory.

The PDP claimed irregularities in 765 polling units and accused INEC of failing to counter evidence of tampered results, urging the tribunal to annul the election.

The APC accused PDP supporters of planning to disrupt the tribunal's proceedings, calling on security agencies to prevent any attempts to influence the judgment.

Edo guber 2024: APC, PDP react to leaked judgement

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the fake copies of the purported judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sparked controversies and speculations.

The leaked tribunal judgment flooded the internet on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, barely 24 hours before the tribunal delivered its verdict on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

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Edo guber 2024: APC, PDP react to leaked judgement as tribunal rules today

Legit.ng had reported that the PDP and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is seeking to nullify the victory of the APC and Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Source: Legit.ng