Edo APC confident of tribunal victory in guber dispute, says chairman

Jarrett Tenebe, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo, has expressed confidence that the party will be victorious in the governorship tribunal judgment scheduled for Wednesday.

Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the party had approached the tribunal to challenge the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo state.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the APC, as the winner of the election.

The tribunal is set to deliver judgment on Wednesday.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Tenebe said the APC is confident that the tribunal would affirm Okpebholo’s victory at the poll.

“I am calling on all APC faithful in Edo state to remain calm. Our lawyers did a very good job, and we believe in the judiciary. We believe they will do justice. We are hopeful of victory,” he said.

Tenebe accused the PDP of plotting to destabilise Edo in a bid to force a state of emergency if it loses at the tribunal.

“Their sinister objective is clear—they want to force President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo state because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Edo election petition tribunal,” he said.

“In their desperation, they have resorted to acts of sabotage, hoping to manipulate public perception and judicial sentiment in their favour.

“As part of their plan, they have enlisted disbanded members of the Edo state security network to orchestrate acts of violence, as seen in Uromi, Esan north-east local government area.

“Their aim was to falsely implicate the Edo state government in these disruptions, creating a narrative that fosters chaos and sympathy for their failed cause.

“Their recent criticism of Governor Monday Okpebholo for traveling to Kano state to condole with victims’ families further exposes their involvement in the Uromi mayhem. Their hypocrisy and desperation know no bounds, but we will not be deceived!

“Terrorism and violent attacks against the peace of our nation cannot and will not be tolerated.

“As a political party, we are going to formally write to foreign missions, embassies, and other international bodies to extradite these fellows who keep inciting the public to commit acts of terrorism. They must be repatriated to Nigeria in order to face terrorism charges.

“Let me make it categorically clear—no amount of blackmail, intimidation, or desperate orchestration will stop Governor Monday Okpebholo from emerging victorious at the tribunal on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

“The people of Edo have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen through underhanded tactics.”