The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday commenced its defence at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
This follows the challenge by Dr Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 2024 election.
Representing INEC, A. Amaliu tendered three documents as evidence: the Certified True Copy (CTC) of Form EC8D (state-level results), the CTC of the Declaration of Result, and the CTC of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Elections.
The documents were admitted as exhibits R1, R2, and R3 without objections from the legal teams representing the petitioners, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC.
INEC’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, had indicated that witnesses would be called the following day. However, Amaliu informed the tribunal that the witnesses, expected from Benin, could not make it due to travel constraints.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the delay, the tribunal chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, faulted INEC for failing to make adequate arrangements despite having time since Monday. He insisted that the witnesses must be present as promised.
Following consensus among all parties, the tribunal adjourned the hearing to February 5.
Ighodalo and the PDP are challenging Okpebholo’s victory, citing irregularities such as non-compliance with the Electoral Act, over-voting, and claims that he did not secure the majority of valid votes.
The petitioners have so far called 19 witnesses and submitted documents to support their case.
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