The Edo State Police Command has reinforced security measures at the High Court Complex in Benin City, where the governorship election petition tribunal is currently sitting, following violent incidents during the first week of proceedings.
In an exclusive interview on Sunday, the police assured that additional personnel had been deployed to ensure public safety and prevent further disruption. This action follows a series of violent clashes involving supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The incidents, which included gunfire and physical altercations, occurred in the vicinity of the tribunal’s venue, sparking concerns about potential threats to the judicial process.
Senator Monday Okpebholo of the APC was declared the winner of the September 2024 Edo State governorship election, securing 291,667 votes. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, received 247,655 votes. Despite the official result, the PDP has raised allegations of electoral fraud and is challenging the outcome at the tribunal, calling for the annulment of Okpebholo’s victory and the declaration of Ighodalo as the rightful winner.
The first week of tribunal hearings was marked by turmoil, including a shooting incident involving a man identified as a supporter of one of the parties. A viral video showed the individual firing shots into the air while shouting, “Give us back our mandate,” outside the tribunal venue. On subsequent days, armed thugs attempted to disrupt the tribunal’s proceedings, but security forces were able to prevent a complete breach.
In response to the growing unrest, Edo State Police Spokesman SP Moses Yamu stated that investigations into the gunman seen in the viral video were underway. He emphasized that the police would continue to uphold peace and ensure that the tribunal could proceed without interference.
“The responsibility of the police is to ensure there is no breach of peace,” Yamu said. “We have made adequate deployments to secure the tribunal venue, and our message remains the same: all parties must adhere to the rules.”
The police had previously issued a statement addressing the shooting incident, clarifying that no such occurrence had been reported at the High Court on January 15, 2025, despite the viral video. The investigation aims to track down the individual involved for further legal action.
The APC has blamed the PDP for instigating the violence, accusing them of using private security personnel at the tribunal, which the party argues is a violation of security protocols. APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie warned that non-conventional security forces could pose a threat to peace, urging the police to take firm action against unauthorized personnel.
In contrast, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare accused the APC of attempting to derail the tribunal proceedings. He claimed the APC was behind the disruption, including the viral shooting incident, and expressed distrust in the police’s neutrality in the matter.
Meanwhile, Labour Party spokesman Sam Uruopa called for restraint, noting that the violence at the tribunal threatens the integrity of the democratic process.
“The situation is harmful to democracy,” Uruopa warned. “The escalation of tensions and the involvement of armed supporters is dangerous for the stability of our electoral system.”
As the tribunal continues its hearings, authorities remain on high alert, emphasizing the need for all parties to respect the law and allow the judicial process to unfold without further violence.
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