FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Benin City yesterday adjourned hearing on the seven petitions before it to Wednesday, January 15.
The decision followed a formal request by counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and Governor Monday Okpehbholo, due to a case at the Supreme Court.
At yesterday’s sitting, all parties and their legal representatives were present and appearances were made with the court’s permission.
The tribunal’s secretary read the letter of adjournment submitted by the respondents, which stated that “the application for adjournment is premised on the fact that counsel for the second respondent has a matter scheduled at the Supreme Court on January 14. We kindly request the indulgence of this tribunal and confirm that all counsels and parties involved have been duly served via email and WhatsApp.”
In response, counsel to the petitioners acknowledged receipt of the letter, but raised concerns about its timing and lack of accompanying documentation.
He stated: “On behalf of the petitioners, we were prepared to commence trial tomorrow, January 14. However, the letter for adjournment was submitted late and did not include a hearing notice for the Supreme Court matter referenced.
“Nevertheless, in the spirit of cooperation and fairness, we reluctantly concede to the request on the condition that no further adjournment requests will be made by the respondents in the interest of justice and equity.”
The petitions include suit number EPT/ED/GOV/01/2024: Accord Party vs. INEC, Okpebholo, and APC; Suit EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024: PDP and Ighodalo vs. INEC, Okpebholo, and APC. Other suits involve Alliance Party, SDP, Allied Peoples Movement, ADP, and Zenith Labour Party against INEC, Okpebholo, and APC.
The tribunal granted the application for adjournment to January 15.
