The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday asked the Edo State governorship election petitions tribunal to dismiss the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenging Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 16 election in the state.
The APC in a motion argued by its counsel, Ferdinand Orbih, (SAN) described the PDP petition as incompetent.
Orbih told the three-man panel that the PDP’s petition was not filed in accordance with the extant law.
He added that the tribunal lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the matter.
In its counter-argument, the PDP through its counsel, Ken Mozia (SAN), urged the tribunal to discountenance the submission of the APC.
He said the PDP had filed a reply and counter-affidavit to challenge the APC’s motion.
READ ALSO: Edo tribunal receives 14 petitions on National, state assemblies elections
The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, however, reserved ruling on the motion until the final day of the case.
In another motion, APC asked the tribunal to strike out some paragraphs in the petition filed by the PDP and its candidate in the election, Asue Ighodalo.
At the end, the tribunal adjourned till December 21 for the parties to file a common proposal that would guide the tribunal during the hearing.
The PDP is challenging the outcome of the election over alleged irregularities in the exercise.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo as the winner of the election after he polled 291,667 votes to defeat his PDP rival, who garnered 247,274 votes.
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