Edo Election: Okpebholo Closes Case After Witness Admits Overvoting
Edo State Governor, Monday Okbholo, closed his case at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja after presenting a single witness on Monday.
Okpebholo, who contested under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21, 2024, election, had the opportunity to open his defence following the closure of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) case last Thursday.
However, rather than presenting multiple witnesses, his legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Onyechi Ikpeazu, called only one witness before concluding their defence.
The witness, Usman Majek, a polling unit agent for the APC from Usen in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, testified before the tribunal regarding events in his polling unit during the election.
Under cross-examination by the petitioners’ lead counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), Majek admitted that overvoting took place in his unit.
“You agree that there was overvoting in your unit?” Oyeyipo asked. In response, Majek said, “Yes.”
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The witness also revealed that accreditation and voting were conducted simultaneously in his polling unit, contrary to standard electoral procedures.
Furthermore, he informed the tribunal that he had raised concerns with both INEC officials and the police regarding the results recorded on the result sheet, which he signed.
With no further witnesses, Okpebholo’s counsel applied to close his defence, a request which the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member panel granted without objections from any of the parties, including the petitioners—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asuerime Ighodalo—as well as INEC and the APC.
The tribunal has adjourned proceedings until Wednesday, 12th February, when the APC is expected to open its defence.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
