Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal: Update - January 20, 2025. Court ruled to adjourn the matter until Tuesday January 21, 2025

Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal: Update - January 20, 2025. Court ruled to adjourn the matter until Tuesday January 21, 2025

The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal convened on January 20, 2025, for the resumption of hearings regarding the ongoing electoral dispute involving Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who emerged victorious in the September 21, 2024, governorship elections. The proceedings were recorded under suit No. EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024.

As the case was called, all parties were duly acknowledged, with proper appearances made as mandated by the court. Notably absent was the primary petitioner, Dr. Ighodalo, while the third respondent, represented by Mr. Lawrence Okah, the APC state Secretary, was present.

The legal teams featured a constellation of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) and other counsels, with prominent figures including 

Adetuyi oyeyipo SAN, KEN MOZIA SAN, Aj owonikoko SAN, Rotimi Oguneso SAN, Selekeowei Larry SAN, Oluwole Iyamu SAN, Olusegun Jalaawo SAN, Ayo Asala SAN,  Remi Olatubora SAN, appeared with Gabriel Oladejo Esq, Oladipo Osinowo Esq, oliwaseun oluwaseyi Olubiyi Esq, Olajide salami and Tony gbamisaye representing the petitioner. On the respondents' side,

S.O Ibrahim SAN,  M.T Abubakar SAN, K.C Wisdom SAN, Dr onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, Chief O.E.B SAN , Festus Kayode SAN, Edward Ufuoma Erhineru Esq, Lydia oluwakemi Esq, Martin Alewo Aguda, 

J.O Asonoga SAN, Henry A Bello SAN, appearing with them is D.k Udenna Esq, Mrs. Chioma Ekenne Ufuoma,  and Josephine E Ogagaworia were among those present, contributing to a packed courtroom with multiple junior counsel in attendance.

The tribunal session took a contentious turn as counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents communicated to the tribunal that they had attempted to discuss witness schedules with the petitioners ahead of the hearing. However, the petitioner’s legal representatives had indicated that their witness list was not ready. The respondents argued that this delay rendered further proceedings impossible at the current sitting. They requested the court's indulgence to adjourn the matter to the next day, citing the late service of the petitioners' witness list, which typically should be submitted 24 hours prior to a hearing.

In a response that underscored the tense environment surrounding the proceedings, the counsel for the petitioner countered the claims of non-readiness. They attributed the delays in filing the witness list to "alarming circumstances surrounding the safety of their witnesses." The petitioner's counsel alleged that the APC state chairman had broadcast a threat on television, claiming intentions to apprehend PDP supporters and petitioner's witnesses within the court premises. They said they provided a video clip of this statement to the Respondent's counsel yesterday, asserting it necessitated extra caution regarding their witness's safety. According to their statement, this climate of fear had compelled them to abbreviate their witness list and take the extraordinary step of seeking assurances regarding their environment.

Faced with competing narratives, the tribunal listened intently to both sides. Ultimately, after deliberation, the court ruled to adjourn the matter until Tuesday January 21, 2025, to accommodate the developments and concerns raised.

The proceedings have highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the petition, characterized not only by legal maneuvering but also by alleged intimidation. As legal teams prepare for the next hearing, the eyes of the public remain fixed on the tribunal, eager for a resolution to this high-stakes political contest that continues to unfold in Edo State.