The All Progressives Congress (APC) has requested that the 2024 Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal dismiss the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP is contesting the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the September 21 election.

In a motion filed by their lawyer, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, the APC argued that the PDP’s petition was not properly filed and did not meet legal requirements. Orbih told the tribunal panel in Benin that the petition lacked merit and that the tribunal should not have the authority to hear it.

In response, the PDP’s lawyer, Ken Mozia, SAN, urged the tribunal to reject the APC’s request, saying the petition was valid. Mozia also mentioned that the PDP had already filed a counter-argument to challenge the APC’s motion.

The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, decided to reserve the ruling on the matter until the final day of the hearing.

The APC also filed a separate motion asking the tribunal to strike out certain paragraphs in the PDP’s petition, which was opposed by the PDP. Justice Kpochi decided that all rulings on preliminary motions would be given at the end of the case.

Earlier, the PDP had filed four motions requesting that parts of the replies from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC, and Okpebholo be removed.

The tribunal has adjourned to December 21, giving both parties time to submit a common proposal for the next steps in the case.

The PDP is challenging the declaration by INEC that Okpebholo won the election with 291,667 votes, defeating Dr. Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who received 247,274 votes.