PDP through its Publicity Secretary, Ologunagba, noted that there’s nothing optimistic about the Nigerian judiciary.
By Kehinde Okeowo
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the leaked copies of the yet-to-be-read judgement of the Edo State Governorship tribunal currently trending on the internet, saying it would wait for the verdict by the trial judges.
The state’s Governorship Election Petition Tribunal will today, Wednesday, decide on the petition brought by PDP, and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, on the conduct of last year’s gubernatorial election in the State.
They are challenging the declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024 election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
They argued that the election was marred by irregularities and non compliance with the electoral laws.
Following the adoption of final written addresses by the parties involved, the three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, on March 3, reserved judgment in the petition.
However, confusion erupted on Tuesday after leaked copies of the yet-to-be-read verdict flooded the social media. .
According to the judgement document making the rounds online, the lead judgement dismissed the petition and affirmed the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Reacting to the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, urged the public to disregard the purported judgment circulating online.
ALSO READ: Edo govt confirms arrest of two main suspects involved in massacre of 16 hunters
Speaking with DAILY POST, he stated that it was not right to believe the alleged court judgment.
He said: “I don’t work online. You can’t stick your integrity on someone just waking up one morning and putting something online and then you begin to run around with that; that’s not alright.”
Asked whether the PDP is optimistic about the upcoming tribunal judgement, Ologunagba stated that his party would first wait for the court to give its judgement on the matter before reacting to it.
He, however, added that there’s nothing optimistic about the Nigerian judiciary.
“Let them come out with the judgment first. Then we will deal with that.
“Obviously there’s nothing optimistic about the Nigerian judiciary,” he added.
Meanwhile, ahead of today’s judgment, Governor Monday Okpebholo, has sent a message of hope and unity to his supporters, members of the ruling APC, and residents of Edo State.
He said, “The tribunal’s decision is a crucial part of our democratic process, and we must all respect its authority.
“I want to emphasise that our state’s progress and development are paramount. We must not allow political differences to disrupt the peace and harmony we have worked so hard to build.
“We are people committed to democracy, peace, and progress.”
