Tribunal verdict: Edo Govt, APC, PDP confident of victory

The Edo State Government and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have all expressed confidence that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will deliver judgment in their favour.

DAILY POST reports that the three-man tribunal headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi had reserved judgment in the petition after parties adopted their final written addresses on March 3, 2025

The tribunal, which was relocated to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, following a series of violent clashes between the supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and PDP, is set to deliver its verdict on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Speaking ahead of the judgment, the Edo State Government, the PDP, and the State chapter of the APC all expressed confidence that the tribunal would deliver judgment in their favor.

The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, sent a message of hope and unity to supporters and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and residents in the state.

Okpebholo said he has full confidence in the judiciary and its ability to deliver a fair and just judgment.

He also said he had faith in the resilience and maturity of the Edo people.

He urged all residents of the state to maintain peace and order, noting that they have witnessed a vibrant and competitive electoral process, and respect the legal avenues available to all parties.

“I want to emphasize that our state's progress and development are paramount. We must not allow political differences to disrupt the peace and harmony we have worked so hard to build. I call on all political leaders, community leaders, and citizens to respect the rule of law, maintain peace and order, embrace unity, and avoid spreading misinformation.

“I have full confidence in our judiciary and its ability to deliver a fair and just judgment. I also have faith in the resilience and maturity of our people. Let us show the nation that we are people committed to democracy, peace, and progress. I thank you for your understanding and cooperation. May God bless our state,” the governor said.

On its part, the state chapter of the PDP said it had diligently presented its case, backed by carefully delivered evidence.

A statement by Chris Nehikhare, Publicity Secretary, PDP Caretaker Committee, said, “Our only wish is for the judges to be fair, transparent, and guided by the law. We trust that the verdict will reflect the evidence tendered, and we remain confident that we have done our part.”

The acting state chairman of the APC, Jarret Tenebe, also expressed hope of victory at the tribunal.

Tenebe noted that the PDP could not bring the total number of witnesses that the party said would testify at the tribunal.

“We are confident of victory because we have a good case, and our lawyers did a good job.

“If you challenge the outcome of an election or allege irregularities, you have to prove beyond reasonable doubt which the PDP failed to do.

“The witnesses they brought were hear-say witnesses, and you must be able to prove that the election was marred with irregularities or did not follow electoral process, but they didn't prove all that.

“The judgment is tomorrow and APC and Governor Monday Okpebholo will be victorious to continue providing the divided of democracy to the people of the state,” he said.

He called on the party's supporters and residents of the state to remain calm as the APC would emerge the winner at the tribunal.