The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment on three appeals and a cross-appeal regarding the Edo State Election Petitions Tribunal’s decision that upheld Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
The appeals were filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who contested the election results. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Okpebholo’s party, also submitted a cross-appeal against the tribunal’s April 2, 2025 ruling.
During a hearing on Thursday, a three-member panel of the appellate court reviewed the appeals and announced that judgment would be delivered at a later date.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who received 247,655 votes. Following the election, Ighodalo and the PDP petitioned the tribunal, alleging that Okpebholo did not secure a majority of lawful votes due to irregularities, over-voting, and violations of the Electoral Act.
In their appeal, Ighodalo’s counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), argued that the tribunal mishandled their claims, particularly regarding the absence of serial numbers on Form EC25B, which they contended was essential for validating the election process.
In contrast, Okpebholo’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), defended the tribunal’s ruling, asserting that the petitioners failed to substantiate their allegations. He pointed out that the necessary serial numbers were present on Form EC40A, and emphasized that the petitioners did not provide crucial documentation, specifically Form EC25D.
The APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), supported the tribunal’s decision, highlighting that the appellants had not called witnesses from each of the 765 contested polling units, which is critical to their claims.
The hearing concluded with the panel, led by Justice M. A. Danjuma, reserving judgment and promising to communicate the date of the decision to all parties involved.
