Is Governor Okpebholo’s Victory Safe?

-- Someone just couldn’t wait.

Hours before the Edo Governorship Election Tribunal was set to deliver its much-anticipated verdict, an unsigned document mysteriously appeared online, claiming to be the judgment itself. And just like that, the political drama hit a whole new level.

According to the circulating document, the tribunal’s decision is reportedly a split one. Two justices allegedly upheld APC’s Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory, while the third justice dropped a bombshell. In a dissenting opinion, Justice Adewole reportedly annulled the election, declaring PDP’s Asue Ighodalo the rightful winner.

And here’s where it gets even messier. The leaked judgment claims Ighodalo actually secured 243,113 votes, compared to Okpebholo’s 210,326. If true, that raises one big question. How did Okpebholo end up declared winner in the first place?

Tribunal officials remain tight-lipped, but within legal and political circles, the whispers are getting louder. Is this leak the real deal or just a well-orchestrated stunt to stir confusion before the official ruling?

Does this change everything?

If the document turns out to be authentic, then APC supporters might already be celebrating, at least for now. But PDP isn’t backing down without a fight. A loss at the tribunal would mean an immediate appeal.

If the leak is fake, however, then someone is playing a very dangerous game with Nigeria’s judiciary, and the implications could be far-reaching.

One thing is certain. Edo’s political scene is anything but quiet today. The official judgment is expected soon, but after this leak, will anyone even be surprised anymore?