January 15, (THEWILL) – The Edo State Government has called on opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party to exercise caution and seek proper legal counsel in their approach to the ongoing Governorship Election Tribunal case.
In a statement issued by the Media Office of the Edo State Governor, the government emphasized the need for the PDP to carefully navigate the complexities of the electoral process, especially following Wednesday’s proceedings at the State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The statement noted that during the January 15 session, presided over by Justice Wilfred Kachi, Petition No. EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024, filed by Dr. Bright Enabulele and other political parties, was deliberated.
“Three witnesses testified on behalf of the petitioners, while the respondents, including Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Independent National Electoral Commission and the All Progressives Congress were represented by their legal counsel,” the statement read.
The government criticised the PDP for prematurely celebrating a perceived victory due to an alleged misinterpretation of the role of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in determining voter turnout.
“In a surprising turn of events, the PDP celebrated under the mistaken belief that BVAS was the sole determinant of voter turnout. However, proper legal counsel would have informed them that, according to the Supreme Court, the decisive factor is the voter report from polling units and wards,” the statement added.
The government further clarified that the tribunal’s analysis reaffirmed the APC’s victory in the election, rendering the PDP’s celebrations premature and misguided.
The statement stressed the importance of understanding electoral laws and seeking professional legal advice.
It added, “This outcome underscores the need for the opposition to seek proper legal guidance and avoid being misled. The intricacies of electoral law require careful navigation to avoid costly errors.”
The government assured the public that Governor Okpebholo remains focused on delivering good governance despite alleged attempts by the opposition to distract his administration.
The statement concluded by urging all parties to respect the legal process and prioritize the development of the state over divisive politics.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
