The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has expressed hope for victory as the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal begins in Benin City.
Arogidigba Global Journal reports that PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, are in a legal battle over the outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election in the state.
The case has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with optimism among PDP supporters.
The PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is challenging the election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, with the Edo State chairman of PDP alleging that APC and INEC colluded to manipulate the process.
The petition highlighted alleged irregularities, including substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, inflated APC votes in strongholds, and the alleged unlawful cancellation of PDP votes in some key local government areas.
Speaking ahead of the tribunal’s first sitting on Monday, PDP spokesperson Tony Ehilebo expressed confidence in the party’s case.
“We have presented overwhelming evidence to prove that the election was rigged. We are confident the tribunal will restore the mandate stolen from the people of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy,” he said.
According to PDP, the case is a litmus test for Nigeria’s judicial system and its ability to safeguard democracy.
APC, however, dismissed PDP’s claims as baseless. Chief Alex Okosun, an APC chieftain, who also spoke in Benin City on Monday, described the legal challenge as ‘sacrilegious.’
“Politicians must stop litigating every election. Asue is Senator Monday Okpebholo’s Esan brother.
“He should let bygones be bygones and join the governor to move Edo forward. We have finally gotten an Esan governor; that is the main thing,” the party chieftain said, adding that APC remains confident in the legitimacy of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s mandate.