Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal Relocates to Abuja Amid Security Concerns

 Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal Relocates to Abuja Amid Security Concerns

In a significant development, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has announced its relocation from Benin City to Abuja, effective January 27, 2025.This decision follows a series of security incidents that have raised concerns about the safety of tribunal proceedings in the state capital.

Background of the Relocation

The tribunal, which commenced hearings on the governorship election petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the All Progressives Congress (APC), has faced multiple security challenges.Notably, on January 15, 2025, gunshots were fired near the tribunal venue in Benin City, causing panic among attendees and prompting a temporary adjournment

In response to these incidents, the tribunal issued a notice on January 24, 2025, informing all parties of the relocation to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.The notice, signed by Tribunal Secretary Mu’azu Bagudu, stated:

"I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27th January, 2025

Reactions from Political Parties

The relocation has sparked a war of words between the APC and PDP. The APC's Edo State Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, accused the PDP of orchestrating the move, suggesting that the party's witnesses were not forthcoming in Benin City.

He remarked:

"The relocation was due to pressure from the PDP camp. First, they claimed that their witnesses did not feel free in the environment to come and give evidence."

Conversely, the PDP's State Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare, attributed the relocation to security concerns arising from threats by APC chieftains in Edo State.He stated:

,"Given the nature of the case and the volume of concrete evidence presented by the witnesses, the tribunal reckoned that it would be unsafe to continue the proceedings in Benin City, following undue pressure and several threats by notable APC chieftains in Edo State to disrupt the tribunal proceedings."

Implications for the Tribunal Proceedings

The tribunal's move to Abuja is expected to provide a more secure environment for the continuation of the election petition hearings.The first session in the new location is scheduled for January 28, 2025.This development underscores the challenges faced by electoral bodies in ensuring the safety and integrity of the electoral process, particularly in regions experiencing political tensions.

As the tribunal resumes its proceedings in Abuja, all eyes will be on the legal teams and the judiciary to uphold the principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that the outcome of the Edo State governorship election petition reflects the will of the people.