Supreme Court Postpones Judgment in Edo Governorship Election Dispute

The Supreme Court of Nigeria reserved judgment indefinitely in the Edo State governorship election case, where Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Asue Ighodalo is challenging the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Monday Okpebholo in the September 21, 2024, election. 

The five-member panel, led by Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned the case after hearing arguments from both parties, citing the need for further deliberation due to the complexity of electoral law issues raised. The postponement, announced at 11:30 AM WAT, has heightened tensions among Edo’s 2.6 million voters, with 70% expressing concerns over judicial delays impacting the state’s governance.

Ighodalo, represented by Chris Uche (SAN), argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wrongly declared Okpebholo winner with 291,667 votes against his 247,274, alleging irregularities in 15% of polling units, affecting 50,000 votes. 

Okpebholo’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), countered that INEC’s results aligned with Nigeria’s Electoral Act, citing 80% voter verification compliance. The case, involving 1,000 exhibits and 200 witnesses, has cost N500 million in legal fees, with the PDP claiming a 20% chance of overturning the result. The delay, impacting Edo’s N1.2 trillion economy, has prompted calls for electoral reforms, with a follow-up hearing expected by Q4 2025.