The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has officially been relocated from Benin City to Abuja due to escalating security concerns. The decision, which was announced by the Tribunal Secretary, Mu'azu Bagudu Esq., comes after reports of violent clashes and fears of attacks targeting the tribunal building in Benin City.
According to Bagudu, the relocation was prompted by “security reasons,” citing the ongoing violence in the region and threats of the tribunal's premises being set ablaze. A source from the tribunal further confirmed that these issues had created a dangerous environment for conducting hearings, leading to the move for the safety of all parties involved.
The tribunal will now hold its proceedings at the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja starting from January 27, 2025. This shift is expected to offer a more secure setting for the continuation of the case.
The relocation has sparked political controversy, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo accusing the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of orchestrating the move. APC’s Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie, suggested that the PDP had pressured the tribunal to relocate due to their dissatisfaction with the testimonies of their witnesses, which he claimed had been ineffective. Uwadiae-Igbinigie also alleged that the PDP hoped the change of venue would reduce media scrutiny on their case.
In contrast, the PDP's Publicity Secretary in Edo, Chris Nehikhare, defended the tribunal’s decision, claiming that the relocation was necessary for the safety of the tribunal members and the integrity of the trial. Nehikhare pointed to the mounting pressure and threats from APC supporters in Edo, which he argued had made it unsafe to continue hearings in Benin City.
This controversy comes after several violent incidents near the tribunal, including shootings and physical confrontations, which raised concerns about the ability to safely conduct proceedings in the region.
