Our reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opted not to call any witnesses in its defence of the 2024 Edo State governorship election during tribunal proceedings in Abuja.
This announcement came on Thursday, following a prior assurance that five witnesses were to be lined up to uphold the validity of the results, which declared Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner.
Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, who leads INEC’s legal team, disclosed the decision to the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, stating that the Commission had re-evaluated its position after a day of reflection. “My lords, after we left you yesterday, we gave more thought to the matter and came to the conclusion that the sensible thing to do is to close the case of the 1st Respondent, which we hereby do,” Agabi remarked.
The electoral body had previously indicated it would bring witnesses from Benin, Edo State, to testify in support of the results. However, this strategy was revised as the proceedings progressed, prompting an adjournment of the case until Monday, when Governor Okpebholo is expected to present his defence against the challenges put forth by the petitioners.
Representatives from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and their candidate, Asue Ighodalo, expressed little surprise at INEC’s decision. Counsel for the PDP, Mr. Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, commented, “Frankly speaking, we are not surprised and it is well within the right of the 1st Respondent to show such good discretion. We are not objecting.”
Both Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, representing Governor Okpebholo, and Mr. D. C. Dewigwe, for the APC, indicated their support for INEC’s choice not to proceed with witness testimonies. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, is set to continue proceedings next week.
The election, held on September 21, 2024, resulted in Okpebholo securing 291,667 votes against Ighodalo’s 247,655. The PDP has challenged the legitimacy of this result, claiming that the election did not comply with the Electoral Act’s provisions and asserting that Okpebholo did not attain the highest number of lawful votes cast.
In anticipation of the tribunal’s ruling, the PDP has presented evidence from 19 witnesses and submitted extensive documentation to support its claims, closing its case earlier this week. Meanwhile, INEC has submitted 153 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines related to polling units in dispute, as well as official results from the governorship election.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
