Supporters of political parties clashed on Monday at the High Court premises in Benin, Edo State as sittings commenced on the petitions challenging the victory of the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) candidate in the September 21 governorship election, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In a fracas that broke out at the court premises, supporters of different political parties were seen running in different directions within the court premises.
LEADERSHIP recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), had on Sunday, September 22, 2024 declared Senator Okpebholo of the APC winner of the poll.
The APC candidate polled 291,667 votes to defeat candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo and Barr. Olumide Akpata who scored 247, 274 and 22,763 votes respectively
Dissatisfied with the declaration of INEC, the PDP and six other political parties who participated in the poll approached the tribunal to challenge the declaration made by the electoral body.
The three-man tribunal headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, is expected to hear seven petitions filed by different political parties and their candidates.
The PDP in particular, is praying the tribunal to nullify the result of the September 21 election and instead, declare its candidate, Asue Ighodalo as the winner.