The Edo State Police Command has increased its deployment of personnel to the High Court Complex on Sapele Road in Benin City, the venue of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal. This comes amid escalating tensions following violent incidents during the tribunal’s first week of proceedings.

The governorship election, held in September, saw Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner with 291,667 votes. His closest rival, Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), garnered 247,655 votes, while Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party finished third with 22,763 votes. Dissatisfied with the outcome, the PDP and six other parties challenged the results, alleging electoral fraud and irregularities.

The first week of the tribunal’s proceedings witnessed multiple crises, including a viral video of a gunman firing shots and shouting, "Give us back our mandate!" near the High Court. On Thursday, armed thugs allegedly attempted to storm the tribunal venue, but security forces thwarted the attack. Further clashes occurred on Friday when party supporters reportedly confronted private security personnel accompanying a candidate to the court premises.

In response to these incidents, Edo Police Command spokesperson SP Moses Yamu assured the public that measures were in place to maintain order. “It is our responsibility to ensure there’s no breach of peace at the tribunal, and adequate deployment has been made in this regard,” Yamu stated.

He also confirmed that the Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, has ordered an investigation into the viral video of a gunman firing shots. “We are working to identify and apprehend the individual involved in the shooting incident for prosecution,” Yamu added.

The APC and PDP have traded blame over the unrest. APC Publicity Secretary Peter Uwadiae-Igbinigie accused the PDP of instigating the crises by bringing private security personnel to the court, a move he claimed violated established protocols. “Private security officials pose a threat to litigants and witnesses. The police and DSS are the only entities authorized to provide security in such situations,” Uwadiae-Igbinigie said.

He dismissed allegations that the APC was orchestrating the violence to force the tribunal’s relocation. “It is clear from video evidence that PDP supporters were involved in these disruptive activities,” he added, calling for increased security at the tribunal to prevent further disruptions.

In contrast, PDP Publicity Secretary Chris Nehikhare accused the APC of attempting to derail the tribunal proceedings. “The APC has resorted to distractions because they know we have a strong case. They even dressed one of their supporters to appear as a PDP member, as seen in the viral shooting video,” Nehikhare claimed.

Despite the heightened tensions, the tribunal has continued its hearings. The PDP expressed satisfaction with the acceptance of their 1,004 pieces of evidence as exhibits, reinforcing their confidence in their case.

The police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring peace and order at the tribunal venue, urging political parties to abide by the rules. As investigations into the violence continue, the public has been urged to remain calm and allow the tribunal to deliver its verdict without interference.