The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal begins today in Benin City, with both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) preparing for what could be a decisive legal battle over the outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election.

The case has sparked mixed reactions across the state, with optimism among PDP supporters.

The PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, is challenging the election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the Edo State Chairman of the PDP alleging that the APC and INEC colluded to manipulate the process.

According to the petition, there were alleged irregularities, including substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act, inflated APC votes in strongholds and the unlawful cancellation of PDP votes in key local government areas.

Speaking ahead of the tribunal’s first sitting, PDP spokesperson Barrister Tony Ehilebo expressed confidence in the party’s case. “We have presented overwhelming evidence to prove that the election was rigged.

“We are confident the tribunal will restore the mandate stolen from the people of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy.”

Meanwhile, Governor Okpebholo’s administration has been mired in controversy since his swearing-in.

From his struggle to present the state budget effectively to his attempts to suspend local government chairmen, critics have questioned his leadership and governance style.

His defiance of Supreme Court rulings and the federal government on local government autonomy has further fueled dissatisfaction among opposition groups and civil society.

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