The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal delivered a decisive ruling on Wednesday, dismissing the petition filed by the Accord Party and its candidate challenging the victory of Governor Godwin Obaseki and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election. The tribunal meticulously examined the claims put forth by the petitioners, which centered on allegations of electoral malpractice, including voter fraud, non-compliance with the Electoral Act, and various irregularities such as multiple thumb printing, violence, and voter intimidation. However, the tribunal found these allegations to be unsubstantiated, lacking the necessary factual evidence to warrant the nullification of the election results.
The crux of the Accord Party’s petition rested on the assertion that Governor Obaseki did not secure the highest number of valid votes, thus questioning the legitimacy of his victory. They argued that the alleged irregularities and fraudulent activities significantly impacted the outcome of the election, disenfranchising a substantial number of voters and unfairly favoring the incumbent governor. However, the tribunal, after scrutinizing the evidence presented, concluded that the petitioners failed to provide concrete proof to support these claims. The tribunal noted the absence of specific details regarding the polling units or wards where these alleged irregularities occurred, rendering the petition vague and lacking in specificity.
Furthermore, the tribunal addressed a critical procedural issue concerning the first petitioner’s legal standing to file the case. The tribunal determined that the first petitioner lacked the necessary legal capacity to initiate the petition, further weakening the Accord Party’s challenge. This procedural deficiency, coupled with the lack of substantial evidence to support the allegations of electoral malpractice, ultimately led the tribunal to dismiss the petition.
In a unanimous decision, the three-member panel of judges declared the petition “incompetent and lacking jurisdiction.” This statement underscores the tribunal’s assessment that the petition failed to meet the required legal and evidentiary standards for challenging election results. The tribunal’s dismissal of the petition effectively affirms the victory of Governor Obaseki and the APC, reinforcing their mandate to govern Edo State.
The tribunal’s ruling brings a measure of closure to the post-election legal battles, at least concerning the Accord Party’s challenge. However, another petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, still awaits adjudication. This pending petition raises the possibility of further legal scrutiny of the election outcome, potentially prolonging the post-election uncertainty. The PDP’s petition is expected to focus on similar allegations of irregularities and electoral malpractice, prompting speculation about the tribunal’s approach to this separate legal challenge.
The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal’s decision carries significant implications for the state’s political landscape. It underscores the importance of presenting concrete evidence and adhering to procedural requirements when challenging election results. The ruling also highlights the judiciary’s role in upholding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved fairly and impartially. While the Accord Party’s petition has been dismissed, the pending PDP petition keeps the final chapter of the Edo State governorship election saga open, awaiting the tribunal’s forthcoming decision.
