Edo Guber Tribunal Judgement: A Miscarriage Of Justice- PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo says they are committed to appeal the judgment of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which upheld the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress APC.

In a judgement delivered on 2nd April, the tribunal confirmed the outcome of the 21 September 2024  which declared Okpebholo of APC the winner.

After receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment in Abuja , PDP Chairman in Edo, Tony Aziegbemi, and the Special Adviser on Media to Asue Ighodalo, Anthony Ehilebo, described the ruling as unjust and vowed to take the case to the Court of Appeal.

Aziegbemi  called the tribunal’s judgement “a miscarriage of justice” accusing the tribunal of ignoring clear evidence of electoral malpractice.

“The tribunal ignored overwhelming facts, twisted the law, and rewarded impunity. It abandoned its constitutional duty to deliver justice and instead acted as a ‘fourth respondent,’ inventing technicalities to sidestep the clear evidence of electoral malpractice placed before it.”

“Having received and studied the CTC of the judgment, we are more convinced that the tribunal turned the law on its head to protect a rigged process. We are not deterred. We are proceeding to the Court of Appeal with the facts, the law, and the will of the Edo people firmly on our side.” Aziegbemi said.

In his statement, Anthony Ehilebo accused INEC of failing to complete essential forms required to guarantee the integrity of the elections, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling on the matter.

“INEC failed to fill forms essential for guaranteeing the integrity of the elections, a responsibility the Supreme Court has said is a strict liability issue. This is what the tribunal has now endorsed. We are duty-bound to challenge this travesty at the appellate court.” Ehilebo said.

In spite of  the tribunal’s ruling, PDP chieftain Goodluck Osaretin believes that the party will reclaim their mandate in court.

“The mandate of the people remains with Asue Ighodalo,” he said, on the olive branch dangled by Okpebolo, he said it is premature;

“The issue of an olive branch is premature. We are talking about retrieving a stolen mandate. Asue is coming. No tribunal can stop the will of the people.” He said.