The Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal commenced proceedings today in Benin City, setting the stage for a heated legal battle between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The tribunal will adjudicate on the disputed outcome of the September 21 gubernatorial election, which declared APC’s candidate, Governor Monday Okpebholo, as the winner.

The PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has filed a petition challenging the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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The petition alleges widespread irregularities, including non-compliance with the Electoral Act, inflated votes for the APC in its strongholds, and the unlawful cancellation of PDP votes in key local government areas.

Speaking ahead of the tribunal’s opening session, PDP spokesperson Barrister Tony Ehilebo expressed confidence in the strength of the party’s case.

“We have submitted overwhelming evidence to prove that the election was rigged. This tribunal has an opportunity to restore the mandate stolen from the people of Edo and reaffirm the integrity of our democracy,” Ehilebo said.

The APC, however, has dismissed the PDP’s allegations as unfounded. Chief Alex Okosun, a prominent APC leader, criticized the opposition’s legal challenge as unnecessary.

“It is time for politicians to accept defeat and stop litigating every election result. Asue and Governor Okpebholo are both Esan; they should work together to move Edo forward. This is about progress, not division,” Okosun stated.

The tribunal’s proceedings have sparked intense debate across the state.

While PDP supporters remain optimistic about overturning the results, APC loyalists are confident that Governor Okpebholo’s mandate will be upheld.

The United Kingdom’s (UK) Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETAS) for visitors from many additional countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, became operative on Wednesday.

It was gathered that the system comes with the objective of tightening border security would allow eligible travellers to enter Britain with pre-travel authorization.

The cost implication of the ETAS, according to the AFP would be £10 per head and permits stays of up to six months within two years.

The initiative was first introduced in 2023, beginning with Qatar.

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In 2024, it was expanded to include five Gulf countries but would now be covering citizens from approximately 50 more nations, including Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several Caribbean territories.

It was gathered that travellers required to use the system can apply via an app. The applications for the newly added countries opened last November.

By April, the scheme is expected to extend to European Union (EU), countries and other territories. From March 5, travellers in these regions can begin applying for ETAS.

The system applies to visitors transiting through the UK, as well as to children and infants.

However, British and Irish citizens, residents, and those holding passports from British-overseas territories are exempt.

In addition, it does not alter requirements for countries that already require a visa for UK entry, such as China and South Africa.

However, London’s Heathrow Airport had opposed the scheme, on the grounds that its rollout already reduced the number of passengers transiting through the UK, a clear indication that the policy made the country “less competitive” and harmful to economic growth.

This development parallels Europe’s forthcoming ETIAS system, which is expected to begin later this year.

The EU’s version will cover visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 countries, including the UK, and will cost seven euros for three years of access.

According to government data, the US, Canada, and Australia collectively account for around six million visitors to the UK annually.

The UK government views the ETAS as a crucial step in strengthening its border security measures.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has called on party members in Kano State to prioritize unity as they prepare to reclaim political control from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Speaking at the 8th and 9th APC Members Kano State House of Assembly Forum dinner on Monday, Ganduje, represented by the APC Chairman in Kano, Abdullahi Abbas, urged members to focus on collaboration to achieve their political ambitions.

Highlighting the importance of solidarity, Ganduje stated, “Unity is the only way forward for us; it’s our only option to achieve our goals. God has already intervened in our situation.

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“The current government is distorting the state; we are just waiting for the right time. The next election will be like shifting a hen from its eggs.”

He also criticised NNPP leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, downplaying his influence in Kano politics.

“I am always surprised when Rabiu Kwankwaso claims he has the people’s support. I swear to God, if not for the issues that caused some of us to leave, he wouldn’t have won any election in the state. This time, he will see. Those who supported him are already disappointed and regretful.”

Ganduje expressed confidence in the APC’s ability to reclaim the state, adding, “I assure you, we are done with Kwankwasiyya. Even the governor is unaware of all that is happening.”

Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, also stressed the need for party cohesion, assuring members of the APC’s strong position.

“What we need in Kano now is unity. The issue of the election is not a concern. If elections were held today, we would have no reason to fear. The loss we experienced was God’s will. Let us pray and work together in unity,” Ata said.

Criticising the NNPP-led administration, Ata noted, “We must strive to reclaim Kano because the state is not in the right hands. Nobody is benefiting from the leadership. I appreciate the president for prioritising Kano. For example, when other states received 250 housing units, Kano received 500 units.”

The Chairman of the Forum, Abdul’azeez Gafasa, commended the honorees for their service to the APC and reiterated the importance of party unity.

“Our leaders have worked hard to bring us together,” he said, pledging the forum’s commitment to progress and mutual support.

The event, which celebrated notable APC members, including former House Speakers Rt. Hon. Kabiru Rurum, Rt. Hon. Hamisu Chidari, and Rt. Hon. Yusuf Atta, underscored the party’s resolve to reclaim Kano in the next elections.