Edo: Rival party supporters clash at inauguration of Election Tribunal

By Jude Opara, Abuja

It was a free for all yesterday as supporters of various political parties clashed at the premises of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal.
The rather ugly incident took place during the formal inauguration of the tribunal in Benin City, the state capital.
The declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election by the independent National Electoral commission (INEC) is being challenged by seven political parties who participated in the September 21 governorship election.
In a viral video clip, supporters of different political parties could be seen chasing each other in different directions within the court premises.
The political parties challenging the outcome of the governorship election include Accord Party (A), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Alliance (AA), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
It would be recalled that INEC had on Sunday, September 22, 2024, declared Okpebholo, candidate of the APC winner of the poll, after pulling 291,667 votes to defeat his closest rivals; Dr. Asue Ighodalo (PDP) and Barr. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) who scored 247, 274 and 22,763 votes respectively.
Meanwhile, chairman of the tribunal, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, in his inaugural speech, appealed for the Cooperation of all parties involved in the case for a smooth and successful trial.
Justice Kpochi also appealed for mutual respect between the bar and bench, even as he urged the counsels of the political parties to prevail on their supporters to maintain decorum during proceedings.
Responding, both the counsels to the petitioners and those of the respondents pledged to fully cooperate with the tribunal for a smooth trial.
Also speaking, the chairman of the NBA, Benin branch, Mr Idemudia Osifo, who spoke for the bar, said they are ready to provide any assistance if called upon.
Similarly, the DPO in charge of the court area, Mr. Emmanuel Ehanhoro, who represented the Edo state Commissioner of police, told the court that the Police is ready and has already deployed personnel for the Tribunal.