The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in appeals related to the Edo State governorship election held on September 21, 2024, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner. A three-member panel led by Justice M. A. Danjuma concluded hearing the appeals and informed the lawyers that the judgment date will be communicated later.
The appeals involve the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who challenged the election results, and a cross-appeal by the APC and Okpebholo. Additional appeals were filed by Action Alliance (AA) and its National Chairman, Rufai Omoaje, as well as Dr. Bright Enabulele and the Accord Party (AP). The appellants sought to overturn the election tribunal’s April 2 judgment that upheld Okpebholo’s victory, while the respondents asked the court to affirm that ruling.
Okpebholo’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu, argued that the appeals were academic since the appellants had admitted that even if the disputed votes were deducted, Okpebholo still had the majority. He also countered claims of irregularities with the election forms, explaining that Form EC25B does not require the recording of ballot paper serial numbers, contrary to the appellants’ arguments. He added that the serial numbers were properly indicated on Form EC40A, which the appellants submitted. Furthermore, Ikpeazu noted that although the appellants referred to Form EC25D in their petition, they failed to present it at the tribunal.
The court’s final judgment will be announced at a later date.
