Ahead of the scheduled judgment in the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal, the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed confidence in a favorable ruling for its candidate, Governor Monday Okpebholo. The judgment, set for Wednesday, is eagerly anticipated as the APC seeks to uphold what it believes was the people's decision in the election.
Chief Jarrett Tenebe, the Chairman of the Edo APC, made the party’s position clear during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, calling for calm among APC members in the state. He emphasized that the party's legal team had done an excellent job, and they are hopeful the judiciary will deliver justice.
“We believe the tribunal will uphold the will of the people of Edo State, who have expressed their preference for the APC and Governor Okpebholo,” Tenebe stated. He also expressed confidence in the integrity of the judiciary, stating, “We believe in the Judiciary, and we are hopeful for victory.”
Tenebe did not shy away from addressing the recent violence in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, which has stirred political tensions in the state. He claimed that members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were behind the killings, alleging a sinister plot to destabilize the state and manipulate public opinion ahead of the tribunal's verdict.
“Their objective is clear – they want to force President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo State because they believe they cannot secure victory at the Tribunal,” Tenebe said. He accused the opposition of orchestrating violence, particularly by involving members of the disbanded Edo State Security Network, to create a false narrative of instability.
Furthermore, Tenebe criticized the PDP for using the composition of the tribunal, where two of the three judges are from the North, to fuel suspicion of bias. He alleged that the opposition hoped to sway the outcome through tactics designed to undermine the tribunal’s integrity.
The APC Chairman also responded to criticism directed at Governor Okpebholo for traveling to Kano State to condole with victims’ families, calling it an attempt to discredit the Governor. "Their hypocrisy and desperation know no bounds," Tenebe said.
In his remarks, Tenebe urged security agencies to take swift action against those responsible for the violence and called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage with international embassies to ensure that the individuals inciting violence are held accountable.
He concluded with a firm statement, “No amount of blackmail, intimidation, or orchestration will stop Governor Monday Okpebholo from emerging victorious at the tribunal on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The people of Edo have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen through underhanded tactics.”
As the tribunal prepares to deliver its judgment, all eyes remain on Edo, with both the APC and PDP preparing for a critical legal battle over the outcome of the state's governorship election.
