The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has announced its relocation from Benin City to Abuja, citing security concerns following violent disruptions at its sessions.
In a notice signed by the tribunal’s secretary, Mu’azu Bagudu, the move is set to take effect on Monday, January 27, 2025. The tribunal will resume its activities at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) along Airport Road in Abuja.
The notice read: “I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27th January, 2025.”
Violent Disruptions
While no official reason was provided, the relocation follows a series of violent incidents, including gunshots, that disrupted tribunal proceedings on January 15. Hoodlums were reportedly sighted around the tribunal venue in Benin, causing panic and raising security concerns.
Political Allegations
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jarrett Tenebe, alleged that supporters of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, were behind the violence.
“Today’s shooting incident within the venue of the Governorship Election Tribunal in Benin City involving members of the opposition PDP is a deeply disturbing and unacceptable act of violence,” Tenebe said.
In response, the PDP denied the allegations. Acting Chairman of the PDP in Edo State, Tony Aziegbemi, dismissed the claims, questioning why the party would disrupt its opportunity to challenge the election results.
The Election Dispute
The tribunal is hearing petitions challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner with 291,667 votes. PDP’s Asue Ighodalo came second with 247,274 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party polled 22,763 votes.
Ighodalo remains the primary challenger in the tribunal, as the PDP seeks to reclaim the mandate it claims was given to its candidate by Edo voters.
