Amid security concerns: Edo governorship election tribunal relocates to Abuja

The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has been relocated from Benin City to Abuja, due to security concerns.

The tribunal will now sit at the National Judicial Institute in Abuja, effective Monday, January 27, 2025, Persecondnews reports.

While the official notice didn’t specify the reasons for the relocation, a former Chief Press Secretary to ex-Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mr. John Mayaki, expressed support for the move, citing the need to ensure fairness, security, and neutrality.

The Secretary of the Tribunal, Mr. Muazu Bagudu, disclosed this on Friday, January 24, 2025 during the court proceedings.

The letter reads: “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, January 27, 2025.

“For further inquiry, contact the secretary”.

Persecondnews gathered that the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja was at the instance of the President of the Court of Appeal.

There was a shooting incident at the premises of the tribunal, sparking security concerns located at the Sapele road, Benin City.