Edo State Election: Appeal Court sets up election petition tribunal

The Court of Appeal has set a petition panel over petitions arising from the just concluded Edo State governorship election, while the panel is to conduct sittings at the High Court Complex, Sapele Road, Benin.

Penpushing reports that, this was made known in a statement dated September 21, made available by the tribunal’s Secretary, Sunday Martins, which stated that, the panel was approved by President of the Appeal Court, Monica Dongban-Mensem.

“The general public is hereby put on notice that the Honourable President of the Court of Appeal of Nigeria, Hon. Justice M.B. Dongban-Mensem, has established the election petition tribunal secretariat and accordingly constituted a panel in respect of the Governorship election conducted in Edo State,” the statement read.

“The Honourable Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice E.A. Edigin has graciously approved the use of the High Court complex (election petition court hall), Sapele Road, Benin City for the tribunal exercise.”

Penpushing further reports that, Governor Godwin Obaseki had been declared winner of the September 19 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) having defeated Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressive Congress (APC) and 12 other candidates in the election.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate at the election polled a total of 307,955 votes to secure his second term as the Governor of the state, while his arch rival Ize-Iyamu scored 223,619 votes.

Meanwhile, candidates contesting the results of the election are expected to file their petitions within 21 days after the date of the declaration of results in line with Section 134 (1) of the Electoral Act.