The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has confirmed the relocation of its sittings from Benin City, the capital of Edo State, to Abuja.
This decision was disclosed by the Tribunal’s Secretary, Muazu Bagudu, who announced that the relocation would take effect on Monday, January 27.
The move comes amid ongoing deliberations following the testimony of a data analyst and expert witness from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The witness provided extensive evidence alleging large-scale electoral malpractice in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.
The expert, adopting his written statement under oath, presented his evidence over several hours. However, the testimony sparked strong objections and protests from the legal teams representing the respondents.
In response, the legal counsel for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents requested an adjournment, citing inadequate preparation time to cross-examine the witness. The Tribunal granted the adjournment, emphasizing the need for a fair hearing, but clarified that this was the final session to be held in Benin.
Following the proceedings, the Tribunal Secretary officially confirmed the shift to Abuja, with all subsequent sessions scheduled to take place at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja.
The Tribunal is expected to resume hearings on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
In the formal announcement, 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.”
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