How Improper Filing by Ighodalo and PDP Lawyers Forced Tribunal Adjournment to Today

The improper filing of critical documents by Asue Akintunde Ighodalo and the PDP legal team caused the adjournment of the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal to this morning. The counsels’ failure to adhere to procedural requirements disrupted the proceedings, forcing the court to delay the case.

During the hearing on January 15, 2025, Ighodalo’s counsel tendered electoral documents, requesting they be admitted as exhibits. However, this move was met with strong objections from the respondents’ legal team, representing Governor Monday Okpebholo and others. They argued that the documents were not properly filed and registered, as required by tribunal rules.

The respondents’ counsel further insisted that all evidence intended for use must undergo due process before being presented in court. They blamed the delays squarely on the petitioners’ procedural lapses, describing the oversight as a clear lack of preparation and compliance.

In response, the petitioners’ lead counsel argued that filing was unnecessary, claiming that the respondents had already received copies of the documents two weeks prior. Despite their argument, the court ruled in favor of the respondents, emphasizing the importance of adhering to proper procedures. Reluctantly, the petitioners’ counsel agreed to comply with the tribunal’s directives.

To resolve the dispute, the tribunal ordered each party to nominate two representatives for the immediate verification of the submitted documents. This process was scheduled to commence without delay. The tribunal also acknowledged the extensive volume of materials involved in the case, which further complicated the proceedings.

The improper filing not only caused disruptions but also highlighted a lack of diligence on the part of the petitioners’ legal team. The court’s decision to adjourn proceedings underscored the necessity of following due process in election petitions, where precision and compliance with rules are paramount.

With the verification process now underway, the tribunal is expected to resume hearing today, January 17, 2025. All eyes will be on the petitioners’ counsel to see if they have rectified their procedural lapses and are prepared to proceed without further delays.

**Progressive Media Squad**

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