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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
The affirmation of Sen. Monday Okpebholo as the authentic Governor of Edo State by the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday has elicited diverse reactions from members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
In a judgment delivered by a three-man election petitions tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, the tribunal, reaffirmed Sen. Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the duly elected governor.
It also dismissed the petitions filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
However, while some members of the party aligned with the judgment of the tribunal and have since congratulated Okpebholo, others rejected it, urging the PDP to seek legal redress at the appellate court.
Chief Dan Orbih, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), said the tribunal has spoken, and as such, its decision should be respected.
Orbih stated that having lost the state, the task before the PDP is to commence plans to bring back members who left during the primary election that produced Asue Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.
He emphasized that efforts would commence to rebuild the party in Edo State following the election setback.
Orbih blamed the PDP’s struggles on former Gov Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of driving members away from the party.
“Unfortunately, the former governor brought distress, division, and disaster to the PDP.
“Today, I did not see his face among those at the tribunal, waiting for the judgment outcome.
However, the Edo State Chapter of the party has rejected in its entirety the judgment of the tribunal, describing it as a miscarriage of justice.
In a statement on Wednesday, the party said, “We are not shocked by the result, but we are surprised by the decision of the tribunal. The party will meet maybe tomorrow (Friday) and then make a decision.
“The tribunal has spoken, but there are one or two higher steps that we can take because the Electoral Act is very clear that if you present a Certified True Copy of the unit result, you don’t even need a witness to speak to it and all these we did.
“The APC and Sen. Monday Okpebholo know that they are sitting on the stolen mandate, which would be recovered”.
However, The Edo chapter of the PDP has expressed disappointment with the ruling of the tribunal.
The State Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Chris Nehikhare said the party was waiting to receive the CTC of the judgment before making further decisions.
“PDP is disappointed with the judgment of the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel.
“As a party, we are waiting for the CTC. We will study it and decide on our next course of action,” he said.
Meanwhile, Asue Ighodalo has also vowed to challenge the tribunal’s verdict at the Court of Appeal.
In a statement a few hours after the verdict on Wednesday, he said, “As an avowed democrat, I respect the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, and I urge all of you, our dear good people of Edo State, to remain peaceful, calm and law-abiding in the aftermath of this Judgement.
“However, let it be clear: this is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a greater struggle for justice, democracy, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate freely conferred on my running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie and I are on the platform of our great party, the PDP.
“I have, therefore, instructed my legal team to proceed to the Court of Appeal to challenge this decision, which we consider a huge travesty of justice.
“This is not about me or any single individual; it is about the very essence of democracy, the preservation of our collective right to freely determine our future, and the legacy we leave for generations unborn,” he said.