Gunshots erupted outside the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Benin City, causing panic as proceedings began on Wednesday.
Hoodlums were reportedly present near the tribunal venue, where the air was filled with gunfire, forcing attendees to flee for safety.
The tribunal is hearing challenges to the September 21, 2024, governorship election, in which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared APC’s Monday Okpebholo as the winner with 291,667 votes. His closest rival, PDP’s Asue Ighodalo, garnered 247,274 votes.
Amid the chaos, the APC and PDP accused each other of orchestrating the violence.
APC Chairman Emperor Jarret Tenebe condemned the act, calling it a threat to justice and demanding swift action against the perpetrators.
Conversely, PDP’s Anthony Aziegbemi denied involvement, accusing the APC of deploying thugs in PDP attire to disrupt proceedings and tarnish the party’s reputation.
The tribunal proceedings continue amid heightened tension in the state.
