Justice Yunusa Musa-three-member Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Benin, Edo State, on Monday, commenced the hearing of the remaining four petitions against Governor Godwin Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu.
The outcome of the petition will determine whether or not the two will remain in office.
The remaining petitions were filed by Action Democratic Party led by its governorship candidate, Iboi Emmanuel; Action Peoples Party, without joining its governorship candidate, Amos Areloegbe; Allied Peoples Movement, excluding its governorship candidate, Igbineweka Osamuede, and Tracy Agol, without joining her political party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party.
Recall that on December 11, 2020, the tribunal dismissed in a unanimous ruling, the petition filed by Action Alliance (AA) and its governorship candidate, Ukonga Onaivi, against Governor Obaseki, PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for failing to file a pre-hearing notice.
The petitions are targeted to the nullification of the September 19 re -election of Governor Godwin Obaseki as the Governor elect and his deputy (Shaibu), while calling for a fresh election in which neither PDP, Obaseki or his running mate be will allowed to contest.
Law Reporters had reported that the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Saturday dismissed a case of forgery brought before it by APC chieftain, William Edibor.
The petitions of APP and Agol were heard at Monday’s sitting, with hearing in the petitions to be concluded today (Tuesday), while APM ‘ s petition would also be heard today (Tuesday), with only two days allowed for the petitioner to present all the witnesses and to also be cross -examined, as agreed upon, during the pre – hearing sittings.
The last petition, from ADP, would be heard tomorrow (Wednesday), with the petitioner to also have two days to call all the witnesses that would be immediately cross – examine by counsel to the respondents.
