The Supreme Court of Nigeria has adjourned indefinitely (sine die) the delivery of its judgment in the Edo State Governorship Election Petition, following a heated legal battle over the legitimacy of Senator Monday Obekpolo’s election as governor.
The apex court, led by Justice Garba Lawal, reserved its ruling after hearing final arguments in the appeal filed by Mr. Asue Ighodalo and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Justice Lawal stated that the judgment date would be communicated to all parties in due course.
Legal Arguments
Representing Ighodalo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ken Mosia urged the court to nullify Obekpolo’s victory and declare Ighodalo the rightful winner of the Edo governorship election.
On the opposing side, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), represented by Kanu Agabi SAN, called for the appeal to be dismissed entirely. Agabi argued that the petition lacked merit and accused the PDP and its candidate of making inconsistent claims regarding alleged noncompliance with the Electoral Act 2022.
“The petition has no solid foundation and is riddled with contradictions,” Agabi told the court, defending the election as credible and lawful.
Senator Monday Obekpolo was declared the duly elected governor of Edo State following the contentious poll. The PDP and Ighodalo contested the result, alleging widespread irregularities and violations of electoral procedures.
Reactions
Following the adjournment, several legal practitioners and party supporters expressed mixed reactions outside the courtroom. While PDP loyalists hoped for a favorable outcome, All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters expressed confidence that the court would uphold Obekpolo’s mandate.
The indefinite adjournment leaves the fate of the Edo governorship dispute hanging, as political observers await a final verdict from the Supreme Court.
