The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal has announced its relocation from Benin City, the state capital, to the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja.

A notice issued on January 24, 2025, by the Tribunal Secretary, Mu’azu Bagudu, informed parties to the case that the relocation would take effect from Monday, January 27, 2025. No reason was given for the move.

The decision comes after gunshots disrupted the tribunal proceedings on January 15, 2025, as hoodlums were reportedly seen outside the venue, causing panic and chaos. The tribunal was hearing petitions challenging the September 21, 2024, governorship election, in which the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared the winner by INEC with 291,667 votes.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who secured 247,274 votes, is contesting the results, while Labour Party’s Olumide Akpata came third with 22,763 votes.

Following the violent incident, both the APC and PDP in Edo State have traded accusations over responsibility for the disruption. The tribunal will now resume its proceedings in Abuja to ensure the safety of participants and the integrity of the process.