The legal battle over the conduct of the September 21, 2024, Edo State Governorship Election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced on Monday, as the Election Petition Tribunal (EPT) held its inaugural sitting in Benin amidst tight security.
The pre-hearing session, held in a packed courtroom in Benin, attracted thousands of supporters from both the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who gathered outside the court premises to catch a glimpse of the proceedings.
The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, is challenging the September 21, 2024, election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Other parties contesting the election results include the Accord Party (AC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In his brief inaugural address, the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, called for cooperation from the counsels representing all parties before the court. He urged them to focus on the substantive issues to ensure seamless proceedings during the hearing of the petitions.
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Kenneth Mozia (SAN), speaking on behalf of the petitioners, pledged to approach the proceedings with utmost professionalism. He assured the tribunal that his clients’ cases would be presented in line with standard legal practices.
“We will do our best to present our cases in the best possible way, with cooperation from the Tribunal. We also urge supporters of the respondents to behave themselves so that we can maintain the calm atmosphere we are currently witnessing,” Mozia said.
On his part, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing the respondents, promised maximum cooperation throughout the hearing process.
The Benin Chapter Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Idemudia Osifo, while pledging support from the association, expressed concerns about the size of the courtroom, noting that it was too small to accommodate the large number of attendees. Justice Kpochi acknowledged the concern and assured that it had been noted.
While Ighodalo, accompanied by the state chairman of the PDP, Hon. Tony Aziegbemi, was present in court, Governor Okpebholo was absent. The All Progressives Congress (APC) was represented by its State Legal Adviser, Stephen Okoror, along with other party chieftains, including the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Frank Okiye.
The court adjourned the session until Wednesday, December 18, for the continuation of the pre-hearing, during which Justice Kpochi stated that all parties were expected to complete preliminary actions and agree on a hearing schedule for the main proceedings.
While the tribunal was in session, suspected supporters of the parties clashed outside the court premises. Some individuals, believed to be party supporters, wore white fez caps and T-shirts with provocative inscriptions, which allegedly led to a confrontation with other supporters opposed to the messages. The situation caused chaos, with supporters seen running in different directions within the court premises.
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