The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja, on Wednesday, dismissed a case filed by the Action Alliance (AA) against the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo as governor.
Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel of Justices held that the petition filed by AA alongside its National Chairman, Adekunle Rufai Omoaje, lacked merit.
The Tribunal determined that the petition dealt with pre-election matters and, therefore, it did not have the necessary authority to address matters raised.
The petitioners claimed, among other allegations, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had unlawfully excluded their legitimate candidate from the governorship election that took place on September 21, 2024.
They alleged that contrary to various court judgements, the electoral body accepted and recognised a candidate that the party did not validly nominate for the exercise.
According to the petitioners, INEC’s failure to publish the name of the rightful candidate of the party for the gubernatorial contest amounted to a substantial non-compliance to provisions of section 134(1) (b) of the Electoral Act.
In addition to the argument that Governor Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) failed to obtain the majority of valid votes during the election, the petitioners claimed that corrupt practices tainted the process.
As a result, they sought to have the election annulled, a request that the panel denied on Wednesday.
The panel upheld all the preliminary objections that were lodged against the petition.
All the respondents, including INEC and Governor Okpebholo, had challenged the petition’s competence, stressing that the National Chairman of the AA was bereft of the locus standi to institute the action since he did not participate in the governorship poll.
They equally maintained that the petition was statute-barred as it contained pre-election matters that were beyond the jurisdiction of the Tribunal.
About the author
Conseil des ministres au Burkina Faso : session présidée par Ibrahim Traoré à Ouagadougou
Le Conseil des ministres du Burkina Faso s’est réuni à Ouagadougou le jeudi 12 mars 2026 pour une séance ordinaire présidée par Ibrahim Traoré, Président du Faso et Président du Conseil des ministres. La réunion s’est tenue de 09 h 00 à 11 h 01 et a permis d’examiner plusieurs dossiers inscrits à l’ordre du jour. Principaux points abordés Au cours de cette séance, le Conseil des ministres a : délibéré sur plusieurs dossiers relatifs à la gestion des affaires de l’État ; entendu une communication orale portant sur des questions d’intérêt national ; procédé à des nominations dans l’administration publique ; autorisé certaines missions officielles à l’étranger. Cette session s’inscrit dans le cadre des réunions ordinaires du gouvernement visant à assurer la conduite des politiques publiques, la coordination de l’action gouvernementale et le suivi des décisions de l’exécutif. Le […]
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong Thanks Mahama for Appointment as Fire Service Chief
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, has expressed deep appreciation to John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to lead the service. Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Madam Ntow Sarpong also extended her gratitude to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the governing National Democratic Congress for the confidence placed in her leadership. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana, and the entire NDC government for the confidence reposed in me and for honouring me with this leadership role,” she said. Commitment to Serve The Fire Chief pledged to meet the expectations attached to the position, assuring both government and the public of her dedication to the role. “I pledge to fulfil my mandate and discharge my duties […]
No Ghanaian Casualties in Middle East Tensions – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as government steps up efforts to protect its citizens in the region. In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General across the Middle East to assess the situation and coordinate further consular interventions. “This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore further consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated. Diplomatic Coordination Across the Region Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions. “I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian […]
IET-GH Marks World Engineering Day, Highlights Engineers’ Role in Ghana’s Development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana has joined the global engineering community in marking World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, observed annually on March 4 and endorsed by UNESCO. In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the Institution highlighted the central role engineers play in Ghana’s development. It noted that engineering remains vital to infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, industrial growth, and technological progress. Engineering at the Heart of National Development According to IET-GH, Ghanaian engineers are providing practical solutions to major national challenges, including climate change, sanitation, energy transition, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards, innovation, and professional excellence, stressing that the country’s long-term growth will depend heavily on the expertise, creativity, and integrity of its engineers. It also encouraged young people to consider careers in engineering, describing the profession […]
Ga Traditional Council Summons KOKA Over Comments About COCOBOD CEO
The Ga Traditional Council has summoned entertainment critic Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randey Abbey. In a formal letter, the Council directed KOKA to appear before Ga chiefs and priests at the Ga Mantse Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The traditional authorities stressed the importance of his presence, urging him to treat the invitation with urgency and seriousness. “Your presence is respectfully requested to address the matter and offer any necessary explanations. Kindly treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves,” the letter stated. The correspondence was signed by the Secretary of the Court of Priests of Ga, acting on behalf of the Chief Priest of the Ga Traditional Area.
Ghana to Declare 21 Marine Protected Areas Starting at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is preparing to declare 21 coastal communities as Marine Protected Areas in a major step toward restoring marine biodiversity and strengthening fisheries management. The first declaration is expected to take place at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Once designated, fishing activities within the protected zones will be restricted to allow depleted fish stocks to recover. Part of the Global 30×30 Target The move forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, which calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. The goal falls under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework and has been adopted by more than 190 countries. Despite the widespread commitment, progress remains slow. Since 2022, global reviews show that only about 2.9 percent of the ocean is fully or highly […]
Related
Tinubu Akpabio Abbas urge peace unity as Muslims celebrate Eid el Fitri
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to pray for peace, unity and prosperity as they celebrate Eid el Fitri marking the end of Ramadan . In a message issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president congratulated the Muslim faithful on completing the month long fast and called for deep reflection on the spiritual lessons of the season . He highlighted the values of piety, sacrifice, empathy, selflessness and compassion, saying these virtues are essential for building a stronger and more united Nigeria . Tinubu appealed to Islamic clerics and leaders to intensify prayers for the country at this critical time and asked Muslims to extend kindness and generosity to the less privileged, regardless of religion or ethnicity . He stressed that Eid el Fitri is not just a time for celebration […]
Nigeria and UK sign port upgrade migration and business visa deals
Nigeria and the United Kingdom have signed a series of new agreements covering port modernisation, migration, border security and business mobility as part of efforts to deepen economic and security cooperation . At the centre of the deals is a £746 million infrastructure agreement to upgrade Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, Nigeria’s busiest seaports, which was signed at Lancaster House in London . Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun signed on behalf of Nigeria, while UK Minister for Small Business and Economic Transformation Blair McDougall signed for the British government . Edun said the port deal aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s priorities on infrastructure, energy and industrial development under the Renewed Hope Agenda and will help attract investment, create jobs and reduce poverty . He noted that the agreement reflects growing […]
Crude hits 114 as fears grow over fresh petrol price hikes in Nigeria
There are fresh concerns that petrol prices in Nigeria could rise further after Brent crude oil jumped to about 114 dollars per barrel following a sharp escalation in the United States and Israel war on Iran . Petrol is already selling for between N1,200 and N1,400 per litre in parts of the country, up from around N730 to N880 per litre before the conflict began on February 28 . Global prices surged after Israel struck Iran’s South Pars gas field, the world’s largest gas deposit, prompting Iranian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia and triggering fears of wider disruption to supplies . Brent crude rose by about 6.24 percent to 114.08 dollars per barrel, its highest level since May 2022, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed to around 96.33 dollars per barrel . […]
Sultan declares Friday Eid il Fitr after non sighting of Shawwal moon
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared tomorrow as Eid il Fitr . The announcement followed the non sighting of the Shawwal moon across Nigeria on Wednesday night . According to the Sultan’s media team, the declaration was contained in a statement issued by Prof Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, in conjunction with the National Moon Sighting Committee . The statement confirmed that no verified reports of the Shawwal crescent were received from moon sighting committees nationwide, meaning Muslims must complete 30 days of fasting for Ramadan 1447AH . It explained that, in line with Qur’an and Hadith, when the new moon is not seen on the 29th day of a lunar month, Muslims are […]
Cardoso says Nigerian economy now stronger against global shocks
Nigeria’s economy is now stronger and better positioned to withstand global economic shocks, according to Central Bank of Nigeria Governor Olayemi Cardoso . Speaking at the Africa Capital Forum in London on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom, Cardoso said the financial system is being strengthened through disciplined monetary policies and institutional reforms . He explained that the CBN is reviewing its policy framework to make decisions more predictable and reduce uncertainty for investors, with the goal of developing clear, consistent and meaningful policies rather than relying on discretion . Cardoso disclosed that the apex bank has completed work on a new Payments System Vision for Nigeria, which will soon be launched to position the country as a major player in digital payments and cross border transactions across Africa . On the foreign […]
Nigeria spends N32.8trn on defence in 15 years as insecurity persists
Nigeria has spent about N32.88 trillion on defence in the last 15 years, roughly 12.5 percent of total national budgets of N262.834 trillion over the period, yet insecurity remains widespread across the country . Based on official budget exchange rates, the N32.88 trillion translates to about 44.64 billion dollars, but communities across several regions still face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and oil related violence . Security trackers estimate that more than 100,000 Nigerians have been killed in violent incidents and conflict related attacks since 2012, with thousands abducted and millions displaced from their homes . In 2026 alone, at least 1,091 people were reported killed in violent attacks in the first 41 days of the year, while about 3.726 million Nigerians are currently displaced and living in roughly 3,900 camps nationwide . The recent suicide bombings in Maiduguri, Borno […]