The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in three separate appeals and a cross appeal challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner.
A three-member panel led by Justice Mohamed Danjuma heard final arguments from all parties before announcing that the date for judgment would be communicated later.
Among the appeals was one filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who asked the court to overturn the ruling of the election tribunal delivered on April 2. The tribunal had upheld Okpebholo’s election victory.
PDP’s lead counsel, Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, argued that the tribunal failed to properly evaluate claims of non-compliance with electoral laws. He highlighted irregularities such as the absence of serial numbers on Form EC25B, in violation of Section 73(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022. Emukpoeruo said the tribunal mischaracterized their evidence and wrongly insisted on oral testimonies, despite the petition focusing on discrepancies in collated results.
He added that the core of their case was that results announced at polling units did not match those collated at ward level, not the conduct of the election itself.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the APC, INEC, and Okpebholo, including Senior Advocates Emmanuel Ukala, Onyechi Ikpeazu, and Kanu Agabi, urged the appellate court to dismiss the appeals, describing them as academic and lacking merit.
The court also heard appeals filed by Action Alliance and its National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje, as well as one by Bright Enabulele and the Accord Party.
