By Towncriernews
Edo Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday, dismissed the call by the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging it to strike out the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) challenging the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The APC in a motion argued by its counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, on during a pre-hearing sitting of the tribunal, described the petition as incompetent.
Orbih told the three man panel, sitting in Benin City that the PDP’s petition was not filed in accordance with the provisions of the law, noting that the tribunal lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
According to him, further grounds for seeking the dismissal are contained in the motion paper dated Nov. 30, and supported by a seven paragraph affidavit.
In another motion, the APC asked the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate in the election, Dr Asue Ighodalo.
While arguing the application, Orbih urged the tribunal to deliver its ruling on the motion before it commenced hearing into the petition
In a counter-arguement however, the PDP through its counsel, Ken Mozia, SAN, urged the tribunal to discountenance the argument of the APC.
Mozia explained that the petitioners had filed a reply and counter-affidivit to challenge the motion.
The PDP’s counsel, also countered the APC application, urging the tribunal to dismiss it for lack of merit.
In it ruling, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Kpochi discountenance the argument of the APC, saying rulings on all preliminary motions would be delivered on the final judgement day.
The tribunal therefore, adjourned to Saturday, December 21, 2024 for the parties in the case to file a common proposal that would guide the tribunal during the hearing.
Earlier, the PDP had moved four different motions, calling on the tribunal to expunge various paragraphs in the replies of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Okpebholo to its petition.
The PDP is challenging the declaration of Okpebholo as winner of the Sept. 21 election by the INEC who polled 291,667 votes to defeat PDP’s Ighodalo and LP’s Olumide Akpata who recorded 247,274 and 22,763 votes respectively.