The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal is set to deliver its judgment today, marking a pivotal moment in the legal battle over the September 21, 2024, governorship election. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have both voiced confidence in securing a favorable outcome, setting the stage for a potentially contentious decision.

The PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are challenging the declaration of Sen. Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner. They allege that the election was marred by significant irregularities. The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, reserved judgment on March 3 after both parties presented their final written addresses.

Jarret Tenebe, the acting chairman of the APC in Edo State, expressed strong optimism about the outcome. "We are confident of victory because we have a strong case, and our lawyers have done an excellent job," he stated. He emphasized that the PDP failed to prove their allegations of irregularities beyond a reasonable doubt. Tenebe anticipates that the judgment will favor the APC and allow Governor Okpebholo to continue his work in the state.

Conversely, Chris Nehikhare, the publicity secretary of the PDP caretaker committee, also voiced confidence in his party's chances. He affirmed that the PDP presented its case with meticulously documented evidence. "Our only wish is for the judges to be fair, transparent, and guided by the law. We trust that the verdict will reflect the evidence tendered. We remain confident that we have done our part," Nehikhare said.

Governor Okpebholo has called for peace and order among all residents, regardless of the tribunal's decision. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor stated, "We have witnessed a vibrant and competitive electoral process, and I respect the legal avenues available to all parties. The tribunal’s decision is a crucial part of our democratic process, and we must all respect its authority." He expressed full confidence in the judiciary's ability to deliver a fair and just judgment.

Legal arguments presented at the tribunal highlighted the contentions of both parties. Ken Mozia (SAN), representing the petitioners, argued that they successfully demonstrated electoral malpractices in 765 polling units across the state. He pointed to discrepancies at various collation levels, where figures from Form EC8A (polling unit results) were allegedly altered at the ward and local government stages. Mozia emphasized that the impact of irregularities on the process should determine the outcome, not merely the percentage of affected polling units.

In response, Kanu Agabi (SAN), representing INEC, argued that the petitioners did not seek the annulment of the election and, therefore, the tribunal could not grant such a relief. He also questioned the significance of the number of polling unit agents presented as witnesses by the petitioners. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing Okpebholo, described the petitions as an "academic exercise," while Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), representing the APC, urged the tribunal to reject the petitions.

The petitioners countered that they had indeed presented substantial evidence of electoral malpractices. Mozia clarified that their focus was on the collation centers, where votes were allegedly inflated, rather than on the polling units themselves. He argued that all documents tendered were duly certified by INEC and presented without objection.

Adding to the tensions, APC Chairman Jarrett Tenebe accused the PDP of plotting mayhem in the state to force a declaration of a state of emergency. He alleged that the PDP's desperation stemmed from their lack of confidence in securing a victory at the tribunal. Tenebe called on APC members to remain calm and reiterated his confidence in the judiciary.

The outcome of today's judgment is keenly awaited, with significant implications for the political landscape of Edo State. The tribunal's decision will either validate the election of Governor Okpebholo or potentially trigger a new round of elections, prolonging the political uncertainty in the state.