The Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal continued its proceedings on Tuesday, with witnesses from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) testifying about alleged irregularities in the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election. The PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are challenging the victory of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
PDP Witnesses Testify on Alleged Electoral Discrepancies
Led in evidence by PDP counsel Abiodun Owonikoko, Kennedy Osifo, who served as the party’s collation officer for Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, presented agents’ copies of election results from 76 polling units in Ward II. He alleged that there were four major irregularities observed when comparing these copies with the certified true copies of the BVAS accreditation reports retrieved from INEC’s IREV portal. According to Osifo, discrepancies in vote tallies were clear indicators that INEC had relied on incorrect figures in declaring the final election results.
During cross-examination, Osifo maintained that his testimonies were strictly based on the election documents and not personal interactions with polling agents. His evidence sought to establish that the election was marred by miscalculations and possible manipulation. Similarly, another witness, Adebayo Ogedegbe, who served as the PDP’s collation officer for Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, alleged discrepancies in 45 polling units, including cases of overvoting in four of them. He insisted that the figures used by INEC contradicted those in the certified true copies of results.
Overvoting and Missing Electoral Materials Cited in Multiple LGAs
In Owan West Local Government Area, PDP witness Lucky Aroye submitted agents’ copies of results from nine polling units, claiming that overvoting had occurred. He also alleged that there was no prior recording of sensitive electoral materials in seven units. Aroye urged the tribunal to accept his statement on oath as evidence, reinforcing the PDP’s argument that the election was not conducted in strict adherence to the Electoral Act.
When asked whether he had visited all polling units in the local government area during the election, Aroye admitted that it was impossible due to their number. However, he emphasized that his conclusions were drawn from official documents and reports from party agents. His testimony aimed to strengthen the PDP’s case that the official election results did not reflect the actual votes cast.
INEC and APC Legal Teams Object to Tendered Documents
The legal representatives of INEC, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC—Kalu Agabi, Onyeachi Ikpeazu, and Emmanuel Ukala—opposed the admissibility of the PDP’s tendered documents. They argued that the documents should not be accepted as evidence, though they reserved their detailed objections for the final written addresses.
Despite these objections, the tribunal chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, ruled that the documents would be provisionally admitted pending further legal deliberations. The tribunal subsequently adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, allowing for the continuation of witness testimonies and legal arguments.
Implications of the Tribunal’s Proceedings
The ongoing tribunal proceedings have intensified the post-election legal battle in Edo State. The PDP’s challenge, if upheld, could lead to a recount, a rerun, or even a reversal of INEC’s declaration. However, the APC and Governor Okpebholo’s legal team remain confident that the tribunal will uphold the election results, arguing that the PDP has not provided substantial evidence of electoral malpractice.
As the hearing continues, political observers and stakeholders are keenly watching the developments, given the potential implications for governance in Edo State. The tribunal’s final verdict could either validate INEC’s declaration or significantly alter the political landscape of the state.
Table of Contents
Discover more from OGM News NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.