- Olumide Akpata, candidate of the Labour Party (LP), polled a distant third with 22,763 votes.
- Ighodalo and the PDP are challenging Okpebholo’s victory at the tribunal.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has informed security bodies regarding a proposed demonstration by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyalists to “influence” decisions at the Edo governorship election petition tribunal.
Reports suggest the protest is set to take place in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement released on Monday, Jarrett Tenebe, chairman of APC in Edo state, called on security forces to stay alert and take actions necessary to prevent disruptions at the attorney-general’s office.
Tenebe urged personnel from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Army to monitor the unfolding situation closely.
“The disruption allegedly aims to influence the ongoing Edo State Governorship tribunal,” Tenebe stated.
He further stressed that the governing party would not permit any interference with judicial proceedings or any action that disturbs public peace.
On January 25, the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was moved from Benin City to Abuja following a gunfire disturbance during one of its sessions.
Footage circulated online depicted a man discharging a locally fabricated firearm into the sky, causing chaos as tribunal officials, legal practitioners, and attendees sought shelter. The PDP and APC accused each other over the disturbance.
On September 21, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, as the winner of the governorship election held in Edo state.
Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, surpassing his closest competitor, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who garnered 247,274 votes.
Olumide Akpata, representing the Labour Party (LP), finished in a distant third place with a total of 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo and the PDP have taken legal steps to contest Okpebholo’s victory at the election tribunal.
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