Edo PDP rejects Tribunal Ruling, vows to Appeal verdict

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the election petition tribunal that upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the 2024 governorship election.

Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, expressed disappointment in a statement issued in Benin, insisting that the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, was duly elected by the majority of voters in the September 21, 2024, election.

“Although we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem and respect the judgment, we completely disagree with the tribunal’s decision,” Aziegbemi stated. “We remain convinced that our candidate won the election and sufficiently proved our case before the tribunal.”

Aziegbemi called on party members to remain steadfast as the PDP prepares to challenge the verdict at the appellate courts, emphasizing the party’s belief in the rule of law.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the petitioners failed to provide substantial evidence to back their claims of electoral malpractice, including overvoting and non-compliance with electoral laws.

The panel held that the PDP and Ighodalo failed to present polling unit agents and presiding officers as witnesses to support their allegations. It also criticized the party for “dumping” BVAS machines before the tribunal without demonstrating their claims of overvoting.

Following the tribunal’s ruling, the PDP has vowed to explore all legal options to ensure what it describes as “the will of the Edo people” prevails.