Tribunal begins hearing of four petitions on Edo poll
The Justice Yunusa Musa-led three-member Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Benin, Edo State, has started the hearing of four remaining petitions against Governor Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu.
The outcome of the petition will determine the fate of Governor Godwin Obaseki; his running mate, Philip Shaibu and their party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The four remaining petitions were filed by Action Democratic Party and its Governorship candidate, Iboi Emmanuel; Action Peoples Party, without joining its governorship candidate, Amos Areloegbe; Allied Peoples Movement, excluding its governorship candidate, Igbineweka Osamuede, and Tracy Agol, without joining her political party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
On December 11, 2020, the tribunal dismissed in a unanimous ruling, the petition filed by Action Alliance (AA) and its governorship candidate, Ukonga Onaivi, against Obaseki, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, for failing to file pre-hearing notice.
The four petitions are seeking for the nullification of the September 19 re-election of Obaseki and his deputy (Shaibu), while calling for a fresh election in which neither PDP, Obaseki or his running mate should contest.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, had on Saturday dismissed a case of forgery brought before it by APC chieftain, William Edibor.
NP/Mercy Chukwudiebere
