Tribunal adjourns hearing of Edo guber election Petition to January 15

The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal has adjourned the hearing of all seven petitions to Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

The tribunal made the decision following a formal request for adjournment by counsel for the 1st and 2nd respondents namely INEC and Monday Okpehbholo, due to a conflicting case at the Supreme Court.

At the tribunal sitting in Benin City, all parties and their legal representatives were present, and appearances were made with the court’s permission.

“The application for adjournment is premised on the fact that the counsel for the 2nd respondent has a matter scheduled at the Supreme Court on January 14, 2025. We kindly request the indulgence of this honourable tribunal and confirm that all counsels and parties involved have been duly served via email and WhatsApp,” the tribunal said.

In response, counsel for the petitioners acknowledged receipt of the letter but raised concerns about its timing and lack of accompanying documentation.

He said, “On behalf of the petitioners, we were prepared to commence trial tomorrow, January 14, 2025. However, the letter for adjournment was submitted late and did not include a hearing notice for the Supreme Court matter referenced.

“Nevertheless, in the spirit of cooperation and fairness, we reluctantly concede to the request on the condition that no further adjournment requests will be made by the respondents in the interest of justice and equity.”

The tribunal, noting the agreement of all parties, granted the application for adjournment. The case has now been rescheduled to January 15, 2025.

The seven petitions before it include suit number EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024: Accord Party vs. INEC, Okpebholo, and APC; Suit EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024: PDP and Ighodalo vs. INEC, Okpebholo, and APC.

Other suits involve the Alliance Party, SDP, Allied Peoples Movement, ADP, and Zenith Labour Party against INEC, Okpebholo, and APC.