Edo Election Tribunal Sets Ground Rules, Hearing to Begin January 13

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has released its pre-hearing reports and established the framework for the upcoming hearings. All parties involved in the proceedings have agreed to the tribunal’s guidelines.

The tribunal will begin hearings on January 13, 2025, addressing petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, as well as the Accord Party (AP) and its candidate, Bright Enabulele. Both parties are challenging the results of the September 21 governorship election, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner.

The respondents in the cases include Governor Monday Okpebholo, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Justice Kpochi announced that hearings would take place daily, except on Sundays and public holidays declared by the Federal Government. Additionally, the tribunal plans to accommodate up to ten witnesses per day, depending on the circumstances.

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In the case involving Asue Ighodalo of the PDP against Monday Okpebholo, the APC, and INEC, a total of 290 witnesses are expected to testify. Meanwhile, four witnesses have been admitted in the petition filed by Bright Enabulele of the AP.

The tribunal emphasized its commitment to efficiency, stating that applications for unwarranted adjournments would not be entertained. However, it may abridge timelines for specific actions in accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022 when necessary to expedite proceedings.

“Election petitions are time-bound, and it is imperative to fast-track the process to meet the set deadlines,” Justice Kpochi remarked.