Tribunal Upholds Okpebholo’s Victory, Strikes Out AA’s Case

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja has dismissed a petition filed by the Action Alliance (AA) and Adekunle Omoaje against Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as lacking merit and frivolous.  

In its ruling, the Tribunal held that Omoaje had no locus standi to institute the case, as he did not participate in the election. It further stated that his claims regarding his recognition as the National Chairman of the AA for the purpose of nominating a candidate had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022.  

Also Read: APC’s Okpebholo wins Edo governorship election

Omoaje had petitioned the Tribunal to nullify Okpebholo’s victory, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act, corruption, and claims that the APC did not secure the majority of lawful votes. He also argued that the AA was denied the opportunity to field a lawful candidate because he was not recognised as the party’s National Chairman.  

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo of the APC the winner of the election with 291,667 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who polled 247,655 votes.