The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal resumed sitting today under heightened security, following yet another attempt by suspected PDP loyalists to disrupt proceedings.
This marks the third recorded effort by the group to destabilize the tribunal, sparking chaos outside the court premises.
Tensions escalated further when journalists covering the tribunal were assaulted by security personnel while documenting the disturbances, raising alarm over press freedom and the safety of media professionals.
Despite these challenges, security agents were able to restore order, ensuring the tribunal’s session proceeded without interruption.
Inside the courtroom, the legal teams for the petitioner and respondents presented their appearances as scheduled. However, a procedural lapse became the focus of the day. Counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents—Senator Monday Okpebholo, INEC, and the APC—argued that the petitioner had failed to serve the schedule of witnesses within the stipulated 24-hour notice period.
The respondents revealed that they had reached out to the petitioner’s legal team a day prior, only to be informed that the witness schedule was not ready. “By their own actions, the petitioner has rendered it impossible to proceed with the matter today,” the respondents’ counsel submitted.
Consequently, the respondents sought an adjournment, expressing their readiness to reconvene once the petitioner provided the witness schedule. The tribunal acknowledged the request, with proceedings likely to resume tomorrow under stricter security arrangements.
Notable senior advocates, including Adetuyi Oyeyipo (SAN), Ken Mozia (SAN), and Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), represented the petitioner, while Lawrence Okah, APC State Secretary, appeared for the third respondent. The tribunal has yet to decide on the adjournment request, as the panel remains committed to addressing the petitions amidst persistent attempts to derail its activities.
