The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has announced its relocation from Benin City, the state capital, to Abuja. This development was disclosed in a notice dated January 24, 2025, signed by the Tribunal Secretary, Mu’azu Bagudu, and addressed to all parties involved in the case.
The notification stated, “I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27th January, 2025.”
However, the notice did not provide any explanation for the relocation.
The decision to relocate follows a chaotic scene during the tribunal’s opening session on January 15, 2025, in Benin City. The hearing, centered on petitions contesting the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election results, was disrupted by gunfire near the tribunal venue.
Eyewitnesses reported hoodlums outside the venue, leading to panic and chaos as attendees fled for safety.
The tribunal is adjudicating petitions concerning the victory of Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, who was declared the winner of the governorship election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, while his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,274 votes. Labour Party candidate Olumide Akpata placed third with 22,763 votes.
The PDP has challenged the election results, with Ighodalo leading the legal battle against Okpebholo’s victory.
The shooting incident at the tribunal venue has further heightened tensions between the PDP and APC in Edo State. Both parties have accused each other of orchestrating the unrest to influence the tribunal’s proceedings.
As the tribunal resumes at its new location in Abuja, all eyes remain on the outcome of this high-stakes legal battle, which could reshape the political landscape of Edo State.
