APC seeks Tribunal to toss PDP’s petition against Okpebholo’s victory

By Jethro Ibileke

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday reserved its ruling on a motion by the All Progressives Congress (APC), seeking the dismissal of a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

Counsel to the APC, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), argued during the pre-hearing session that the PDP’s petition was procedurally flawed and filed in violation of legal provisions.

He also contended that the Tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter.

Orbih supported his motion, dated 30 November, with a seven-paragraph affidavit detailing the grounds for dismissal.

In response, PDP’s counsel, Ken Mozia (SAN), urged the Tribunal to disregard the APC’s motion, asserting that the petitioners had adequately countered the application with a reply and counter-affidavit.

Justice Wilfred Kpochi, chairman of the three-member Tribunal, announced that a ruling on the motion would be delivered alongside the final judgement in the case.

In a separate motion, the APC sought to strike out certain paragraphs of the PDP’s petition, filed by its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

Orbih argued that the Tribunal should rule on the motion before proceeding with the substantive hearing.

However, Mozia opposed the application, describing it as baseless and urging the Tribunal to dismiss it.

Justice Kpochi maintained that all rulings on preliminary motions would be deferred until the final judgement day.

Earlier, the PDP had filed four motions requesting the Tribunal to expunge specific paragraphs from the replies submitted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the APC, and Governor Okpebholo.

The Tribunal adjourned the proceedings to Saturday, directing all parties to submit a joint proposal to guide the Tribunal during the hearing phase.