The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has announced the relocation of its proceedings from Benin City to Abuja. This decision was confirmed by the Tribunal Secretary, Muazu Ibrahim Bagudu, in a notice issued on Friday, January 24, 2025. According to the notice, sittings will resume at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, starting Monday, January 27, 2025.
The announcement follows a session in which a PDP data analyst and expert witness testified, presenting what was described as extensive forensic evidence of electoral malpractice in the September 21, 2024 governorship election. The witness adopted his written statement on oath, drawing objections from the respondents’ counsels. The testimony reportedly lasted several hours and detailed alleged irregularities in favor of the APC.
Counsels for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents requested an adjournment, citing the need for additional preparation to cross-examine the expert witness. The Tribunal granted the adjournment but confirmed that it would be the last sitting held in Benin City.
Court insiders confirmed that the relocation to Abuja was prompted by security concerns and the need to ensure an impartial and uninterrupted judicial process. Reports suggest that threats to witnesses and pressure from influential political figures in Edo State may have influenced the decision.
The APC State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, had recently made public remarks that raised concerns about interference. During a televised interview, he reportedly threatened to arrest PDP witnesses who were set to testify against the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo. Sources close to the Tribunal indicate that these developments contributed to the decision to relocate.
Mr. Tenebe was not in court today.
The Tribunal will resume its hearings on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja. The relocation has drawn attention to the high-profile nature of the case, which seeks to address allegations of widespread irregularities during the governorship election.
