Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, ?the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the July 14 Edo Governorship election, has filed a petition at the Election Petitions Tribunal?challenging the victory of Gov. Adams Oshiomole of ACN.
?Mrs Josephine Aliyu, the Secretary of the tribunal, said Airhiavbere filed the petition on Aug. 2, through Sunday Agwinede and four other counsel.
The first and second petitioners, Airhiavbere? and PDP, are challenging Oshiomhole, and five others – Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), INEC, Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and the State Governorship Returning Officer.
The petitioners claimed that the ‘purported election’ was invalid due to?corrupt practices and non-compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended).
They alleged intimidation and harassment of voters, depriving them from exercising their franchise and constitutional rights in 11 local government?areas of?the state.
The petitioners further claimed that there was no link between Oshiomhole and the academic qualification he presented.
They further claimed that INEC invalidly returned Oshiomhole as duly elected in spite of?the fact that the election was not?concluded in compliance with the provisions of Electoral Act 2012.
The petitioners said that the Edo Election returning officer?wrongfully proceeded to declare Oshiomhole winner of the election by issuing him Form EC8E on July 15.
They further claimed that the Edo REC subsequently and wrongfully issued Oshiomhole a ?certificate of return on behalf of INEC.
They claimed that Oshiomhole, who was returned as the winner of the election, was not qualified to contest ?the election of the office of the governor of Edo. (NAN)