By: Bayero Ade
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday called additional witnesses before the Edo governorship election petition tribunal, continuing its challenge against the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Monday Okpebholo, in the September 21, 2024, election.
According to Afripost, at the hearing, which was presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, five witnesses testified, alleging over-voting in their respective polling units. These claims, however, were contested by the APC, Mr. Okpebholo, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), whose legal teams vigorously disputed the allegations.
The PDP, alongside its candidate Asue Ighodalo, is seeking to annul the election results, arguing that the process was marred by irregularities. The petition names INEC, Mr. Okpebholo, and APC as the first to third respondents.
One of the witnesses, Haruna Ibrahim, a 34-year-old businessman from Sabo Quarters, Auchi, adopted his witness statement as the 15th petitioner’s witness. During cross-examination by INEC’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN, Ibrahim confirmed signing the result sheet for his ward, but clarified that it was done to obtain a copy for his party.
When Agabi suggested that Ibrahim’s signature was an indication of the election’s credibility, Ibrahim disagreed, stating that he had lodged a protest over the results, although not in writing.
Ibrahim maintained his claim of over-voting in his polling unit during cross-examination by Mr. Okpebholo’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN. Ikpeazu, however, referred to the result sheet, which showed no evidence of over-voting. Ibrahim countered, insisting that the total votes cast exceeded the recorded votes and claimed his protest for cancellation was ignored.
He also pointed out discrepancies between the figures on the result sheet presented at the tribunal and the actual figures from election day.
APC’s representative, Dan Orbih, disagreed with Ibrahim’s account, asserting that the result sheet did not indicate any over-voting.
Despite objections from the respondents’ legal teams, the tribunal admitted Ibrahim’s agent card as evidence, reserving judgment on its admissibility.
Other witnesses who testified included Esther Okuo, a 27-year-old farmer from Igarra, Akoko-Edo LGA (PW-16); Abubakar Uzairu, a teacher from Owan East LGA (PW-17); Asuluka Righteousness, a motorcyclist from Enwan in Akoko-Edo LGA (PW-18); and Mutairu Yusuf, a farmer from Agbede in Etsako West LGA (PW-19).
The tribunal has adjourned proceedings until February 3, 2025, for further hearings.
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