The Edo State governorship election tribunal, established to adjudicate the contested results of the September 2024 election, has become a focal point of escalating political tensions. The initial weeks of the tribunal’s proceedings were marred by violence and disruptions, prompting the Edo State Police Command to bolster security measures around the High Court Complex in Benin City where the tribunal is convened. The election, which saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was immediately challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and six other participating parties. The PDP alleged widespread electoral fraud and sought to have their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, recognized as the rightful winner. These allegations were further complicated by accusations of vote-buying by both the APC and PDP from the Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa, an election monitoring organization.
The atmosphere surrounding the tribunal quickly became volatile, with reported incidents of gunfire, physical altercations between party supporters, and attempts to disrupt the tribunal’s proceedings. A video circulated showing a man discharging a firearm near the High Court, shouting about a stolen mandate. Further incidents involved alleged intrusions by groups of thugs attempting to force their way into the tribunal venue, countered by security personnel. Clashes also erupted between private security personnel accompanying a candidate and supporters of another party. These escalating events underscore the deep divisions and high stakes of the election outcome, raising concerns about the safety and integrity of the ongoing legal process.
The Edo State Police Command, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has acted to reinforce security at the tribunal venue. SP Moses Yamu, the command’s spokesman, assured the public of their commitment to maintaining peace and order, emphasizing the importance of adherence to legal processes. An investigation was launched to identify and apprehend the individual involved in the shooting incident captured on video. The police commissioner also ordered a probe into the circumstances surrounding the various disturbances. Despite these efforts, the political climate remains fraught, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the major parties.
The APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, attributed the unrest to the PDP, accusing them of inciting violence and employing private security forces, thereby undermining the role of official law enforcement. Uwadiae-Igbinigie argued that the PDP’s actions were a reflection of their weak legal case and a desperate attempt to disrupt the tribunal. He called upon the Inspector General of Police and the Commissioner of Police to deploy sufficient personnel to ensure the safety of all involved in the tribunal proceedings and prevent further disruptions. The APC also dismissed allegations of fueling the crisis to relocate the tribunal, attributing the disturbances to PDP supporters based on video evidence.
Conversely, the PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, accused the APC of employing diversionary tactics to distract from the merits of their case. He expressed satisfaction with the tribunal’s procedures and their acceptance of evidence presented by the PDP. Nehikhare alleged that the APC was attempting to undermine the proceedings through orchestrated disruptions and even staged a false flag operation involving one of their own supporters dressed as a PDP member during the shooting incident. He justified the PDP’s use of private security as necessary to protect their candidate and legal team, claiming a lack of confidence in the police due to alleged bias towards the APC. He further alleged that the APC, with police backing, had taken over their party secretariat and removed local government officials.
The tense political climate and escalating violence surrounding the Edo State governorship election tribunal have raised concerns beyond the immediate dispute. The Labour Party, represented by its Public Relations Officer, Sam Uruopa, cautioned against the escalating tensions and called for restraint from both major parties. Uruopa characterized the situation as a dangerous precedent for democratic processes, emphasizing that resorting to violence and intimidation undermines the rule of law and threatens the safety of all involved. The ongoing clashes and accusations underscore the urgent need for de-escalation and a commitment to resolving the electoral dispute through legal channels. The future of governance in Edo State hangs in the balance as the tribunal navigates these turbulent waters. The hope remains that the legal process can prevail, offering a pathway towards a peaceful and legitimate resolution to the contested election outcome.
