Benin City, February 8, 2025 — The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has adjourned proceedings until Monday, February 10, to allow Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to open his defense in response to the petition challenging his election victory.

The adjournment follows a surprise decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to forgo presenting witnesses, despite being scheduled to do so on Thursday, February 6.

INEC’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Okpochi, that after careful consideration, the electoral body had decided not to call any witnesses in the case.

“After giving it a thought at the end of Wednesday’s proceedings, we have decided that there will be no need to call witnesses,” Agabi told the tribunal.

The unexpected development shifts the focus to Governor Okpebholo, who is expected to begin presenting his defense when the tribunal reconvenes.

Background of the Case

The Edo governorship election, held on September 21, 2024, saw Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner by INEC, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, Ighodalo and the PDP challenged the outcome, alleging electoral irregularities and vote manipulation.

The petitioners had closed their case earlier this week after presenting evidence and witnesses to support their claims. INEC, as the first respondent in the case, was expected to defend the election process before handing over to Okpebholo’s legal team.

Implications of INEC’s Decision

INEC’s refusal to call witnesses could be interpreted in multiple ways. Legal analysts suggest that the commission might be relying on its documentary evidence already submitted to the tribunal, rather than risking contradictions through witness testimonies.

However, opposition voices argue that INEC’s decision could weaken the credibility of its defense, potentially benefiting the petitioners.

With INEC opting out of the witness phase, all attention now turns to Governor Okpebholo, who must convince the tribunal of the legitimacy of his victory when proceedings resume on February 10.

What’s Next?

• February 10 – Governor Okpebholo’s legal team will open its defense.
• Potential Witness Testimonies – The governor’s camp may call witnesses to counter the claims made by the petitioners.
• Tribunal Verdict – The tribunal’s ruling, expected in the coming weeks, could uphold Okpebholo’s victory, order a rerun, or declare Ighodalo the winner.

This case remains one of the most closely watched legal battles in recent Nigerian electoral history.

Stay tuned for further updates.