There are indications that the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will resume proceedings today, January 28, 2025, at its new venue in Abuja.
The Tribunal could not sit today following delays caused by the unprepared state of the new site, located at the National Judicial Institute’s (NJI) Mohammed Bello Centre, Abuja.
A visit to the NJI, situated near the Dantata Flyover on the Lugbe-Airport Expressway, revealed that Monday’s session could not hold as initially scheduled. Staff at the Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad Guest Suites and Apartments, which will host the tribunal, disclosed that the venue was still being prepared. They even apologized for the inconvenience caused to lawyers, petitioners, respondents, and other interested parties, asking them to return on Tuesday.
The tribunal was moved from Benin City to Abuja following rising security concerns. Supporters of the petitioners had repeatedly attempted to disrupt proceedings in Benin, with one incident involving an armed, masked individual reportedly wearing campaign materials of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Akintunde Asuerinme Ighodalo. The individual fired sporadic shots outside the tribunal venue, creating panic, fear and chaos.
The relocation notice, signed by the tribunal’s Secretary, Mu’azu Ibrahim Bagudu, was issued on January 26. It informed all parties that the tribunal would now sit at the NJI from January 27 and directed those seeking further information to contact the secretary.
Journalists from media outlets including Independent Television and Radio, Edo Broadcasting Service, and others were turned back on Monday due to the empty venue. Efforts to reach the petitioners for comments were unsuccessful.
The tribunal proceedings are expected to intensify as petitioners and respondents resume their legal battles over the outcome of the 2024 governorship election. The serene and secure atmosphere of the NJI is anticipated to provide a conducive environment for the hearings.