The Edo State election petition tribunal is facing a major hurdle as the delay in serving the All Progressives Congress (APC) list of witnesses has stalled the hearing of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo's petitions. This development has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process in the state.
The PDP had earlier raised allegations of irregularities and malpractices during the election, and the delay in serving the APC's list of witnesses has given them a temporary reprieve. However, it's unlikely to last for long, as the tribunal is expected to rule on the petitions soon.
The APC, on the other hand, has been accused of trying to buy time to manipulate the election results. The PDP has alleged that the APC is using its influence to delay the hearing and alter the outcome of the election. This has led to a heated debate about the role of the APC in the election and the fairness of the electoral process.
As the tribunal continues to hear the petitions, it's clear that the stakes are high, and the outcome is far from certain. The people of Edo State are watching with keen interest, and the entire nation is waiting to see what happens next. Will the PDP and Ighodalo be able to prove their case, or will the APC emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
The controversy surrounding the Edo State election is not new, as the state has a history of electoral disputes. In 2016, the PDP had accused the APC of trying to postpone the election to buy time and manipulate the results ¹. The APC had denied the allegations, but the controversy had highlighted the deep-seated divisions in the state's politics.
As the tribunal deliberates on the petitions, it's essential to remember that the integrity of the electoral process is at stake. The people of Edo State deserve a fair and transparent election, and it's up to the tribunal to ensure that justice is served. The nation is watching, and the outcome of the petitions will have significant implications for the state's politics and the country as a whole ².
