The Edo State Police Command has increased security at the venue of the governorship election petition tribunal in Benin City following escalating tensions during the tribunal’s first week of hearings at the High Court Complex on Sapele Road.

The heightened security comes after reports of violence, including clashes between supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Election Dispute

Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC was declared the winner of the Edo State governorship election held last September, securing 291,667 votes. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, garnered 247,655 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party finished third with 22,763 votes.

The PDP, dissatisfied with the results, accused the APC of electoral fraud and filed a petition asking the tribunal to nullify the outcome and declare Ighodalo the winner. Six other parties also joined in challenging the results.

Incidents of Violence

The first week of tribunal proceedings was marred by violent incidents:

• On Wednesday, a gunman was captured on video shooting into the air near the High Court, shouting, “Give us back our mandate.”
• On Thursday, thugs attempted to storm the tribunal venue but were repelled by security personnel.
• On Friday, clashes occurred between party supporters and private security personnel accompanying one of the candidates.

Police Response

Edo State Police Command spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that additional officers had been deployed to maintain order at the tribunal. He emphasized the ongoing investigation to identify the gunman and called on political parties to adhere to the rules.

“It is our responsibility to ensure peace at the tribunal. Adequate deployment has been made to prevent further breaches of peace,” Yamu stated.

Election Observers’ Report

The Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa, which monitored the election, criticized both the APC and PDP for engaging in vote-buying and reported cases of intimidation of election officials in some areas.

With rising tensions and ongoing disputes, all eyes remain on the tribunal as it deliberates on the petitions.