The Edo Election Petition Tribunal’s eagerly awaited proceedings faced an abrupt halt on Monday after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo requested an adjournment. The respondents cited a conflicting Supreme Court engagement scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, 2025, as the reason for their inability to proceed.
The tribunal’s Assistant Secretary read the application at the session’s outset, highlighting the respondents’ claim of prior commitments that necessitated a postponement. The hearing at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
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While the petitioners’ legal team acknowledged the short notice of the request—having been informed only on January 12, 2025—they conditionally agreed to the adjournment. The concession at the Edo Election Petition Tribunal was granted on the understanding that the respondents would refrain from any further delays that could disrupt the tribunal’s schedule.
Goodluck Osaretin, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed frustration outside the court.
“This smacks of delay tactics, just like their earlier attempts to prevent our inspection of the BVAS machines,” Osaretin remarked. “Still, we are confident in Barrister Asue’s experienced legal team. They may delay justice, but they cannot deny it. The APC colluded with INEC to rig this election, and we are here to reclaim our stolen mandate.”
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As the tribunal proceedings resume, all eyes will be on the legal teams and the evidence presented to determine whether Governor Okpebholo’s election victory will withstand scrutiny. The case, seen as a test of Nigeria’s judicial system, continues to generate widespread interest, with citizens demanding transparency and timely justice.
Neither representatives of Governor Okpebholo nor INEC were available for comment at the time of reporting.
