In a stunning twist, the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has thrown out a fiery challenge from the Action Alliance (AA) against Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024 election. The three-member panel, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, delivered the knockout blow on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, leaving AA’s hopes in the dust.
AA’s candidate, Omoaje, had come out swinging, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of playing dirty. He claimed Okpebholo and his All Progressives Congress (APC) didn’t truly win the majority of lawful votes, alleging corruption tainted the results. Omoaje didn’t stop there—he also cried foul, saying AA was unfairly blocked from nominating a legit candidate because he, as National Chairman, never signed the nomination form.
But the tribunal wasn’t buying it. INEC had already crowned Okpebholo the champ with 291,667 votes, edging out his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored 247,655 votes. The APC hit back hard, arguing AA failed to bring solid proof—like polling unit agents or eyewitnesses—to back up their over-voting claims. In the end, the tribunal agreed, slamming the door shut on AA’s petition.
This ruling keeps Okpebholo’s win intact, but the election saga’s far from over—eyes are still on other challenges, like the PDP’s ongoing fight. For now, though, it’s game over for AA in this Edo showdown!