Edo Tribunal: APC, PDP Confident Of Victory Ahead Of Judgment

APC and PDP express confidence ahead of Edo governorship tribunal ruling.
APC insists PDP failed to prove electoral irregularities beyond doubt.
PDP believes its evidence will secure a favorable judgment.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have both expressed confidence in securing victory ahead of today’s highly anticipated judgment by the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the PDP, alongside its candidate Asue Ighodalo, is challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to declare Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election. The opposition party alleges that the election was marred by irregularities.

The three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, had on March 3, 2025, reserved its judgment after all parties adopted their final written addresses. The verdict is set to be delivered today.

Speaking ahead of the ruling, the acting chairman of the APC in Edo State, Jarret Tenebe, reiterated the party’s confidence in the judicial process.

“We are confident of victory because we have a strong case, and our lawyers have done an excellent job,” Tenebe said in an interview with Daily Trust in Benin.

He stressed that the burden of proof lay on the PDP, arguing that the opposition party had failed to substantiate its claims of electoral malpractice.

“If you challenge an election or allege irregularities, you must prove your case beyond a reasonable doubt, which the PDP failed to do,” he asserted.

Tenebe further expressed optimism that Governor Monday Okpebholo and the APC would retain their mandate. “We believe the judgment will favor us, and we will continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Edo State,” he added.

On the other hand, the PDP remains hopeful that the tribunal will rule in its favor. The party’s caretaker committee publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, stated that the PDP had presented a solid case backed by documented evidence.

Edo Tribunal: APC, PDP Confident Of Victory

“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 we tendered,” Nehikhare said.

He reaffirmed the party’s belief that it had done its part in proving its claims. “We remain confident that justice will be served,” he added.

As Edo State awaits the tribunal’s verdict, political tensions remain high, with both parties prepared for any outcome.