Impact of Edo Election Tribunal’s Move to Abuja on Justice Delivery
As of January 25, 2025, there is no official confirmation that the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has been relocated to Abuja. The tribunal has been conducting its proceedings in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Notably, on January 15, 2025, a disturbance involving gunshots occurred during a tribunal session, leading to temporary panic among attendees. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have since exchanged accusations regarding responsibility for the incident.
While there have been instances where election tribunals in other states, such as Rivers State, were relocated to Abuja due to security concerns,no such decision has been announced for the Edo State tribunal. The tribunal continues its operations in Benin City, addressing petitions related to the September 21, 2024, governorship election.