The much-anticipated hearing of the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal was unexpectedly adjourned on Monday following an application by the 1st and 2nd respondents, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The respondents sought a postponement to Wednesday, January 15, 2025, citing a conflicting Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Tuesday, January 14, in Abuja.
The Assistant Secretary to the tribunal read the application during the opening session, highlighting the respondents’ claims of prior commitments.
The petitioners’ legal team raised concerns over the short notice of the adjournment, stating they were only informed of the request on January 12.
However, they agreed to the postponement on the condition that no further delays would hinder the tribunal’s proceedings.
With the adjournment, the tribunal proceedings are now set to resume on Wednesday.
Outside the court, a member of the PDP, Goodluck Osaretin, voiced his disappointment: “This smacks of delay tactics, just like their earlier attempts to prevent our inspection of the BVAS machines. Still, we are confident in Barrister Asue’s experienced legal team. They may delay justice, but they cannot deny it. The APC colluded with INEC to rig this election, and we are here to reclaim our stolen mandate.”
