By Kingston Magare
What appears to be another Nigerian judicial blush making is playing out as a leaked copy of the judgement for the Edo State governorship election petition is circulating online.
The three-man Tribunal headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, will deliver judgement on Wednesday April 2, 2025, but copies of their judicial conclusion is already flying around.
Peoples Democratic Party candidate in the September 2024 election Asue Ighodalo had petitioned the tribunal challenging the election of All Progressives Congress candidate as governor of Edo State. On March 3, 2025 after a long hearing, the tribunal reserved its judgement.
INEC had declared that Mr Okpebholo of the APC secured 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,655 votes.
On Tuesday after the tribunal ordered the parties to the suit to appear on Wednesday what appeared to be the judgement document appeared online indicated that Mr. Okpebholo’s election has been upheld by the tribunal in a 2-1 majority ruling.
The tribunal chairman Justice Kpochi and Jutices A.B Yusuf in their submission said though there were irregularities in the election, the petitioner was not able to prove how they affected the outcome.
“We find that the petitioners have not discharged the dual burden to the satisfaction of the law.
“Accordingly, the petition lacks merit and is hereby dismissed,” the Justices noted in their judgement.
In his minority judgement Justice A. A. Adewole, declared that Mr. Ighodalo was the rightful winner of the election urging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to issue him fresh Certificate of Return. Justice Adewole submitted that governor Okpebholo’s election was invalid by reason of non-substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act.
He held that the 2nd Respondent, governor Okpebholo, was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast and proceeded to nullify his return as the winner of the gubernatorial contest.
