***Governor Okpebholo’s Victory Strengthened as Opposition Parties Withdraw Cases
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has struck out petitions filed by the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Allied People’s Movement (APM) against Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election victory.
The decision, delivered in Abuja on Friday, February 7, 2025, followed the voluntary withdrawal of the petitions by the opposition parties.
This latest development is seen as a major boost for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which now predicts that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) will soon abandon its own petition due to what the APC describes as “a glaring lack of evidence.”
An APC spokesperson expressed confidence in the tribunal’s direction, stating, “With the flimsy testimonies provided by PDP witnesses, it’s only a matter of time before they realize their case holds no water. We expect them to follow the path of ADP, ZLP, and APM.”
The withdrawal of the cases was announced by Comrade Wisdom Isaac, who represented the petitioners. Isaac noted that the decision was made in the best interest of Edo State’s development.
“We don’t want to stand in the way of progress. Governor Okpebholo deserves the chance to focus on governing without unnecessary distractions. Our time will come again in 2028,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, APM’s legal counsel, Barrister Jackson Ehiabhi, remarked, “Our clients have chosen to prioritize the well-being of Edo people over prolonged legal battles. Governance should take precedence over personal ambition.”
With four petitions now dismissed, only the PDP’s case remains before the tribunal.
However, the APC is optimistic that the PDP will withdraw soon, citing weak evidence and poor witness testimonies as the downfall of the opposition’s claims.
In the meantime, Governor Okpebholo and the APC are gearing up to present their defense against the PDP’s petition, reaffirming their commitment to proving the legitimacy of their electoral victory.
As the legal dust settles, Edo State looks forward to political stability and uninterrupted governance, with residents hopeful for a focus on development and progress in the years ahead.