Reactions Trail Edo Tribunal Judgment Amidst Political Tensions
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has reaffirmed the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the September 19 governorship election, dismissing the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. The judgment, delivered by a three-man panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, fueling further divisions within the state’s political landscape.
PDP Expresses Disappointment, Plans Next Move
Reacting to the ruling, the Edo chapter of the PDP expressed deep disappointment, criticizing the tribunal’s decision and hinting at further legal actions. Chris Nehikhare, the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, stated that the party was awaiting the Certified True Copy of the judgment before determining its next steps.
“PDP is disappointed with the judgment of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel. As a party, we are waiting for the Certified True Copy. We will study it and decide on our next course of action,” Nehikhare said, suggesting that an appeal could be on the horizon.
APC Hails Tribunal’s Decision, Calls for Unity
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has celebrated the ruling as a victory for democracy and the rule of law. Former PDP chieftain Aslem Ojezua, who defected to the APC, dismissed the PDP’s petition as lacking merit and called on Ighodalo to concede defeat in the interest of the state.
“What I expect now is for Ighodalo to congratulate Okpebholo and join hands in solving the problems confronting our people and communities,” Ojezua remarked. He further emphasized that the tribunal’s verdict was clear, distinguishing between legal realities and political sensationalism.
Internal Crisis Within PDP Intensifies
The tribunal’s ruling has also deepened the internal crisis within the PDP, with the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, acknowledging the verdict while criticizing the leadership failures that led to PDP’s struggles in the state.
“The tribunal has spoken, and we cannot question its ruling,” Orbih stated. However, he highlighted the party’s dwindling fortunes, attributing its challenges to the actions of former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
“Unfortunately, the former governor brought distress, division, and disaster to the PDP. Today, I did not see his face among those at the tribunal, waiting for the judgment outcome,” Orbih remarked, pointing to Obaseki’s role in alienating party members and weakening the PDP’s electoral prospects.
Path Forward for PDP in Edo
Despite the setback, Orbih stressed that the PDP’s next priority would be to reconcile aggrieved members and rebuild the party’s strength in Edo State. He revealed that efforts would begin immediately to bring back members who defected following the contentious primary election that produced Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.
Legal experts are now reviewing the tribunal’s judgment, and PDP’s next move remains uncertain. However, political analysts believe that the party’s internal conflicts and leadership crisis may further hamper its ability to mount a credible challenge against the APC in future elections.
As the dust settles, all eyes remain on the PDP’s legal team to determine whether an appeal will be pursued or if the party will refocus on internal restructuring ahead of the next political cycle.
The tribunal’s ruling has once again exposed the deep political rifts in Edo State. While the APC sees the judgment as a seal of legitimacy on Okpebholo’s mandate, the PDP’s reaction underscores the persistent disputes that continue to define Nigeria’s electoral system. With potential legal battles looming and political realignments underway, the state’s political future remains uncertain.
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Reactions Trail Edo Tribunal Judgment Amidst Political Tensions