Governor Adams Oshiomhole
By Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Edo State yesterday filed a motion on notice withdraw its earlier petition against the declaration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole as winner of the July 14 election at the Edo State governorship Elections Petition Tribunal.
The PDP motion on notice filled by Kingsley Obamogie on behalf of PDP stated that, “an order granting leave to the second petitioner to argue this motion outside the pre-hearing session.
“An order striking out the name of the second petitioner from the instant petition is not desirous of prosecuting and/or maintaining the said petition.
Obamogie, in a written address supporting the motion also said “on the 2nd of August 2012, the petitioner filled petition No. EPT/ED/G/01/2012 at this honourable Tribunal against respondents seeking relief with respect to the governorship election held in Edo state on 14 July 2012.
According to him, “the second petitioner has now brought a motion seeking an order of this tribunal striking out its name from the petition”.
The PDP also filed a notice of change of counsel from S.O. Agwinede to Kingsley Obamogie in any of its matters.
On Monday August 6, 2012, the Edo State Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, issued a release to journalists in Benin City that PDP will not be part of the petition filled by its candidate, General Charles Airhiavbere at the Edo State Elections Petition Tribunal.
The filing of the motion of withdrawal yesterday finally confirmed the seriousness of the party to keep to its promise.
Also within the week, the state Publicity Secretary, Matthew Urhoghide affirmed that it would be impossible for PDP to win the case at the tribunal