Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by Action Alliance and Adekunle Omoaje against the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The court in Abuja, on Wednesday, also rejected petition by AA against the state’s ruling party, All Progressives Congress and Independent National Electoral Commission.

In its judgment, three-member tribunal struck out the petition, describing it as lacking merit and frivolous.

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INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that AA and Omoaje had challenged Governor Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.

The opposition party alleged corrupt practices and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

They argued that Governor Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes and that INEC’s declaration of his victory was illegal and unconstitutional.

The petitioners also claimed that AA was denied the opportunity to field a governorship candidate, as the nomination form had not been signed by the party’s National Chairman.

In its judgment, the tribunal ruled that Omoaje lacked the legal standing to challenge the election since he did not participate in the poll.

It also held that his claims, which stemmed from his non-recognition as AA’s National Chairman by INEC, had no basis under the Electoral Act 2022.

Consequently, the tribunal dismissed the petition in its entirety.

Recall that APC’s Governor Okpebholo defeated incumbent party, Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo with 291,667 votes.