The Edo State Election Tribunal has dismissed the petition filed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Charles Arhiavbere, challenging the results of the 2012 governorship election in the state.
The judge said that the petitioner failed woefully to prove his allegation and thereafter dismissed the petition on that basis.
The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared the candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria and incumbent Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, as winner of the election.
The Judge further said there was no infraction proved to prevent the return of Oshiomhole in anyway and that if there was a petition completely starved of evidence, this is completely one.
The petition is bereft and devoid of any substance, said the Judge.
Gen. Charles Arhiavbere had filed a petition at the Election Petitions Tribunal challenging the victory of Governor Adams Oshiomole in the July 14 Edo Governorship election.
The petition stated that the ‘purported election’ was invalid due to corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2010 (as amended).
Other grounds for the petition included alleged intimidation and harassment of voters, depriving them from exercising their franchise and constitutional rights in 11 local government areas of the state.