Edo Tribunal Postpones Hearing of Petition Against Okpebholo’s Election to January 13

The Edo State governorship election petitions tribunal has adjourned the hearing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s petition challenging Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election to January 13, 2025.

The PDP, along with its candidate Asue Ighodalo, filed the petition disputing Okpebholo’s declaration as the winner. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo who received 247,274 votes.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, postponed the hearing after adopting the pre-hearing report. The report set out the trial procedures, including the agreement that both parties would call 290 witnesses.

Key witnesses will have 40 minutes for examination-in-chief, 30 minutes for cross-examination by petitioners, and 20 minutes for cross-examination by respondents. Ordinary witnesses will be allotted 25 minutes for examination-in-chief and 10 minutes for re-examination.

The petitioners are expected to present their witnesses within 21 days, while the respondents have 10 days to call theirs. The tribunal has scheduled daily sittings, except on Sundays and public holidays.