The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Friday, dismissed the petition by the Action Democratic Party, ADP, Zenith Labour Party, ZLP and Allied People Movement, APM.
This is following the withdrawal of the petitions by the petitioners against the All Progressives Congress, APC and Governor Monday Okpebholo, candidate of the party in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Counsel to the petitioners, Wisdom Isaac, Esq. said the decision to withdraw the petition is based on their consideration for the best interest, peace and development of Edo State as peace is a sine qua non for the development of any community.
He added that the petitioners do not want to be a clog on the wheel of development of Edo State, and maintained that the Governor of the State, Senator Monday Okpebholo should be allowed to concentrate on the governance of Edo State, stating that governance is a serious business.
The petitioners’ counsel, however, stated that there is always another opportunity to test the popularity of the petitioners and to serve the good people of Edo State, even as the petitioners work towards the 2028 Governorship Election.
On his part, Counsel to Allied Peoples Movement, Barr. Jackson Ehiabhi said that the petitioners have resolved not to be a source of distraction to the Governor of Edo State as they consider the peace of Edo State as paramount.
Responding, the three-man Governorship Tribunal said they find merit in the application of the petitioners and subsequently dismissed the three petitions.
This brings to a total of four petitions so far dismissed by the Tribunal.