Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, on Monday explained why the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate, Charles Airhiavbere cannot challenge his educational qualification.

Oshiomhole said Airhiavbere lost the opportunity to do because it is not contained as a ground in his (Airhiavbere) petition against his victory.

Since he did not specifically raise the issue, the governor said the apex court should not allow the petitioner to ambush him by raising the issue in his argument.

Oshiomhole spoke through his legal team led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) at the hearing of his appeal against the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Benin, Edo, which ordered fresh hearing of Airhiavbere’s petition.

On the governor’s legal team are Ricky Tarfa (SAN), Niyi Akintola (SAN), Femi Falana (SAN), Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN).

Adopting his written address, Olanipekun said there was no basis for the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

According to him, the petitioner grounded his petition on corrupt practice and none compliance with the Electoral Act 2010, but not on Oshiomhole’s non qualification.

Besides, he berated the petitioner/respondent for asking the tribunal to declare him as the winner of the election after claiming that the election was invalid.

He wondered why Airhiavbere wants to benefit from an exercise he claimed was fraudulent.

Olanipekun pointed out that the Respondent is challenging results in only five of the 18 local governments.
Responding, counsel to Airhiavbere, Chief Efe Akpofure (SAN) asked the court to dismiss the appeal and affirm the judgment of the lower court.

Nation

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