Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, opened and closed his case before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja on Monday after calling one witness to testify.
As you may remember, last Thursday’s proceedings ended with the Independent National Electoral Commission closing its case without calling any witnesses to support the September 21, 2024, election it conducted in the state.
The tribunal then adjourned until Monday so that Okpebholo could open his case. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), Okpebholo’s attorney, called one witness, Usman Majek, from Usen in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area in Edo State, who told the tribunal that he was an All Progressives Congress polling unit agent in the election.
Under cross-examination of the petitioners’ lead counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), the witness agreed that there was over-voting in his polling unit. He also said accreditation and voting took place simultaneously in his unit.
The witness also informed the tribunal that he complained to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission about the result he entered on the result sheet after he signed it.
Oyeyipo had asked, “You agree that there was over-voting in your unit”?
Witness responded with a “YES.”
Ikpeazu requested to conclude his client’s defense following Majek’s testimony. Because the petitioners (Peoples Democratic Party and Asuerime Ighodalo), first respondent (INEC), and third respondent (APC) counsel did not object, the three-member tribunal presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi granted Ikpeazu’s request.
In order to allow APC to present its case, the panel postponed till Wednesday, February 12.
