The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved judgment in multiple appeals over the September 21, 2024, Edo governorship election in which INEC had declared Monday Okpebholo of the APC the winner of the poll.
A three-man panel led by Justice Mohamed Danjuma heard three appeals and a cross-appeal but did not give a ruling date.
The main appeal was filed by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the election tribunal’s April 2 judgment.
Their lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo, SAN, said the tribunal failed to address key issues of non-compliance raised in their petition.
He argued that Form EC25B lacked the serial numbers required by the Electoral Act, which was central to their case.
Emukpoeruo rejected the tribunal’s claim that they dumped documents and insisted no oral evidence was needed.
He added that the case was about result discrepancies between ward collation and polling units, not the conduct of the vote.
Lawyers for the APC, INEC, and other respondents urged the court to dismiss the appeals and uphold the tribunal’s decision.
Onyechi Ikpeazu described the PDP’s petition as academic and lacking substance.
The court also heard appeals filed by the Action Alliance and its chairman, Rufai Omoaje, and by Bright Enabulele of the Accord Party.
The date for judgment will be communicated to the parties.
