APC Presents Four Witnesses at Edo Election Tribunal Amid Over-Voting Allegations
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday opened its defence at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, presenting four witnesses who admitted to incidents of over-voting during the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
The tribunal is hearing a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the declaration of APC candidate Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The petitioners are contesting the results, alleging irregularities in the electoral process.
Witnesses Admit to Over-Voting
The four witnesses, who served as APC collation agents in various local government areas, testified before the tribunal. Under cross-examination by the petitioners’ counsel, Mr. A. J. Owonikoko (SAN), they acknowledged instances of over-voting and result cancellations in their respective areas.
Afuda Theophilus, a businessman and APC collation agent for Esan North East, initially denied over-voting in his witness statement. However, when confronted with discrepancies in election documents, he admitted to over-voting in his polling unit. “Yes, but to prove over-voting, you will also need the BVAS report,” Theophilus said, adding that INEC had cancelled results from polling units where over-voting occurred.
Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, the APC collation agent for Oredo Local Government Area, initially claimed there were no complaints about the conduct of the election. However, he later admitted that results from Unit 8, Ward 10, were cancelled at the Ward Collation Center due to over-voting. He clarified that the cancelled results were not included in the final figures announced by INEC.
Kamarudeen Bello, the APC collation agent for Akoko Edo LGA, maintained that there was no over-voting in his area.
Frank David, a businessman and APC collation agent for Owan West, stated that results in his area were correctly collated. However, under cross-examination, he admitted to over-voting that led to result cancellations. David confirmed his presence throughout the collation process but could not verify whether INEC officials followed all procedures for documenting sensitive election materials.
APC Seeks Adjournment to Tender Additional Documents
After the fourth witness testified, the APC counsel requested an adjournment, stating that the next set of witnesses would rely on documents that had not yet been tendered. “We are preparing a schedule of witnesses and documents, which will be shared with the petitioners’ team later this evening. We will return tomorrow to tender the documents and call the next set of witnesses,” the counsel said.
The APC also confirmed its plan to present a total of 28 witnesses to defend Okpebholo’s victory. In response, the petitioners’ counsel sought clarity on whether the remaining witnesses would appear or if new documents would be introduced. “My Lord, this clarification is essential for us to prepare appropriately for tomorrow,” they stated.
The APC assured the tribunal and the petitioners that there would be no surprises, as all relevant details and documents would be made available beforehand. The tribunal granted the APC’s request and adjourned further hearings until Thursday.
Implications of the Tribunal Proceedings
The admissions of over-voting by APC witnesses could have significant implications for the case, as the petitioners argue that such irregularities undermined the credibility of the election. The tribunal’s decision will hinge on whether these irregularities were substantial enough to affect the overall outcome of the election.
As the hearing continues, all eyes remain on the tribunal, which is expected to deliver a verdict that could shape the political landscape of Edo State.
Reference
APC Presents Four Witnesses at Edo Election Tribunal Amid Over-Voting Allegations