Unidentified thugs on Monday stormed the Edo State High Court, disrupting a pre-hearing session on the controversial September 21 governorship election. The session, part of the ongoing tribunal proceedings, is reviewing petitions from seven opposition parties contesting the election results.
The governorship election declared Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. Okpebholo secured 291,667 votes, defeating his closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 247,274 votes.
The Labour Party’s candidate, Olumide Akpata, came third with 22,763 votes. The APC claimed victory in 11 out of the 18 local government areas, while the PDP won in seven.
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Eyewitnesses reported that the thugs attacked supporters of the opposition parties outside the courtroom, causing panic and disrupting the atmosphere. “It was chaotic; people were running for safety,” said one witness.
Security forces swiftly intervened, sealing off the court entrance and erecting roadblocks along key routes leading to the premises. Their actions prevented further escalation and ensured the safety of court personnel and attendees.
