The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has announced its decision to relocate its proceedings from Benin City, Edo State capital to Abuja.

The tribunal will continue its sitting at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

The announcement was made by the Tribunal’s Secretary, Muazu Bagudu, who said the relocation will become effective from Monday, January 27.

The relocation announcement came amid rising violence and allegation of massive rigging by the PDP data analyst.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) data analyst and expert witness, had provided multiple evidence detailing alleged massive rigging of the election in favour of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the September 21, 2024 Governorship Election.

The witness presented his testimony, which lasted several hours, adopting his written statements on oath.

His evidence, however, was met with objections and protests from the respondents' counsel.

After the testimony, the legal representatives for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents requested an adjournment, citing insufficient preparation to cross-examine the expert witness.

The Tribunal granted the adjournment in the interest of fair hearing but made it clear that this would be the final session held in Benin.

Following the hearing, the Tribunal Secretary confirmed that all future proceedings would take place in Abuja.

The Tribunal is scheduled to resume its proceedings in Abuja on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

The announcement read, “I am directed to notify all parties that the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, 27the January, 2025.”