The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has adjourned the hearing of a petition challenging the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the September 21, 2024, election. The petition, filed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), contests Okpebholo’s declaration as winner after he secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo’s 247,274 votes.
During the tribunal’s Monday session, an application for adjournment was presented by the counsel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Okpebholo, the first and second respondents. The request was made due to the absence of their lead counsel, who is scheduled to appear before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 14, for a definitive hearing on another case.
Dayo Dahunsi, Assistant Secretary to the tribunal, informed the court of the adjournment request, which also applied to other petitions against the respondents. The request was not opposed by any of the parties, including the counsel for the petitioners, Oladipo Oshinowo, who represented the lead counsel, Ken Mozia (SAN).
Oshinowo stated that although the petitioners were ready to commence the hearing, they agreed to the adjournment in the spirit of cooperation. However, he emphasized that such requests for adjournments should not be made in the future. “We are prepared to proceed, but we concede to this adjournment to ensure smooth proceedings,” Oshinowo noted.
Similarly, the counsel for the third respondent, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Josephine Ogagaworia, did not oppose the application. Following the submissions, the presiding judge, Justice Kpochi, adjourned the tribunal’s proceedings to Wednesday, January 15, 2025, for the full hearing of the petition.
