The legal battle over the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship Election began on a dramatic note as the Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) held its inaugural session on Monday in Benin City amidst heavy security presence.
The courtroom, filled to capacity, set the stage for a tense pre-hearing session that saw political supporters throng the premises in their numbers.
Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, is contesting the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Joining him in the challenge are candidates from the Accord Party (AC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP). The diverse group of petitioners underscored the contentious nature of the election.
Inside the courtroom, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the Tribunal Chairman, set a cooperative tone in his opening address. “We appeal for the cooperation of all counsels to ensure seamless proceedings,” he stated, urging all parties to focus on the substantive issues. He stressed the importance of efficiency, highlighting the need for professionalism throughout the hearing.
Leading the petitioners, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Kenneth Mozia, pledged to conduct the case with the highest standards of practice. “We will present our cases professionally and ensure respect for the Tribunal,” he assured. However, he also called for restraint from supporters of the respondents, emphasizing the need for calm during the proceedings.
Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, representing the respondents, echoed Mozia’s sentiments, promising full cooperation. The Tribunal also received backing from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), whose Benin Chapter Chairman, Idemudia Osifo, voiced concerns about the courtroom’s capacity. “The venue is inadequate for the number of attendees,” Osifo remarked. Justice Kpochi acknowledged the concern, promising it would be addressed.
The session saw notable absences and presences. While Ighodalo appeared in court alongside PDP state chairman Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, Governor Okpebholo was absent, represented instead by APC State Legal Adviser Stephen Okoror and other party stalwarts, including former State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye.
Tensions, however, spilled outside the courtroom. Supporters from opposing camps clashed over provocative inscriptions on T-shirts and caps worn by some individuals. The altercation escalated, causing chaos as people ran in various directions within the court premises. Security personnel intervened swiftly to restore order, but the incident highlighted the volatile nature of the political rivalry.
Justice Kpochi adjourned the pre-hearing to Wednesday, December 18, giving all parties time to finalize preliminary actions and agree on a roadmap for the main hearings. The Tribunal’s next steps will determine how this high-stakes legal battle unfolds, as Edo State watches closely.
