As the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal prepares to deliver its judgement in Abuja on Wednesday, the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, has expressed confidence in the judiciary’s ability to uphold justice in the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate challenging the election victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Tenebe called on the people of Edo State to remain calm, assuring them that Governor Okpebholo and the APC would emerge victorious at the tribunal.
He alleged that the opposition party was engaging in a conspiracy to destabilise the state, accusing its leadership of plotting to instigate a crisis and make Edo ungovernable.
“Their sinister objective is clear—they want to force President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Edo State because they have no confidence in securing victory at the Election Petition Tribunal,” Tenebe claimed. “In their desperation, they have resorted to acts of sabotage, hoping to manipulate public perception and judicial sentiment in their favour.”
He further accused the opposition party of attempting to exploit the tribunal’s composition, where two of the three judges are from the North, to influence the ruling through deceit and unrest.
Calling for swift action, Tenebe urged security agencies to immediately arrest anyone involved in acts of treason, stressing that terrorism and violent attacks against the peace of the state and the nation would not be tolerated.
“As a political party, we will formally write to foreign missions, embassies, and other international bodies to extradite those inciting the public to commit acts of terrorism. They must be repatriated to Nigeria to face terrorism charges,” he stated.
The APC chairman reiterated his belief that no amount of pressure or intimidation would alter the outcome in favour of the opposition, insisting that Governor Okpebholo’s victory was a reflection of the people’s mandate.
“Let me make it categorically clear—no amount of blackmail, intimidation, or desperate orchestration will stop Governor Monday Okpebholo from emerging victorious at the tribunal on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. The people of Edo have spoken, and their mandate will not be stolen through underhanded tactics,” he declared.
Tenebe concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to democracy, justice, and the rule of law, stating that any attempt to undermine the electoral process would only strengthen the resolve of the APC and the people of Edo State.
TRIBUNE
