The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Edo State, Dr. Samson Osagie, has criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, for failing to present substantial evidence in their petition against the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Speaking at the tenth anniversary remembrance of his late father, Pa Samson Imarhiagbe-Ogbewe, in Urhokuosa, Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Osagie stated that the PDP’s allegations of malpractice lacked merit, noting that it was clear from the outset that they had no solid case.
“The petitioners failed to substantiate their claims with credible evidence,” Osagie said. “It is not enough to simply make accusations or claim victory without presenting concrete proof. The PDP and its candidate completely failed to demonstrate how they won the election.”
Osagie further criticized the PDP for not calling any eyewitnesses to support their claims and for attempting to introduce forged documents to the tribunal. He emphasized that it was the petitioner’s responsibility to guide the tribunal in understanding the evidence, particularly when it comes to technical matters like the BVAS system used in the election.
“If the court had to review the BVAS documents, they would need specialized training to interpret them properly,” Osagie added. “It was the responsibility of the petitioners to lead the tribunal through the evidence and prove their case.”
During the event, which also celebrated his late father’s legacy, Osagie expressed gratitude to all who had supported the family over the years, reaffirming the family’s commitment to honoring Pa Samson Imarhiagbe-Ogbewe’s legacy of hard work and dedication.
The occasion was attended by prominent APC figures, including Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, Edo Commissioner for Finance Osaretin Edosomwan, and Emmanuel Okoebor, among others.
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