The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the Peopl’s Democratic Party (PDP), challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
During a pre-hearing session on Wednesday, APC counsel, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), argued that the petition was incompetent, claiming that it was not filed in accordance with the law.
He further stated that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
Orbih cited several grounds for dismissal, which were outlined in a motion dated 30 November and supported by a seven-paragraph affidavit.
In response, the PDP, through its counsel, Ken Mozia (SAN), countered the APC’s motion.
Mozia urged the tribunal to disregard the APC’s arguments, asserting that the petitioners had filed a reply and counter-affidavit to challenge the motion.
The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, announced that a ruling on the motion would be reserved until the final day of the case.
In another motion, the APC asked the tribunal to strike out certain paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Orbih, while arguing the motion, requested that the tribunal deliver its ruling before proceeding with the hearing of the petition.
The PDP’s counsel opposed the motion, urging the tribunal to dismiss it due to a lack of merit.
Justice Kpochi rejected the APC’s request, emphasising that rulings on all preliminary motions would be delivered on the final judgment day.
“I have heard the argument from both counsel, including the APC’s call for a ruling to dismiss the petition. The ruling will be given on the final day”, he stated.
Earlier in the proceedings, the PDP moved four separate motions, seeking to expunge various paragraphs in the responses of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, and Okpebholo to its petition.
The tribunal adjourned to Saturday for the parties to file a common proposal to guide the tribunal during the hearing.
The PDP is challenging the declaration of Okpebholo as the winner of the 21 September election by INEC.
According to INEC, Okpebholo polled 291,667 votes, defeating PDP’s Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, and the Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata, who garnered 22,763 votes.
