The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded its case before the Edo State governorship election tribunal without calling any witnesses.
INEC’s legal counsel formally moved to close its case without presenting testimony, a request that was accepted by the Tribunal. Instead, the Commission will rely solely on cross-examinations and arguments from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s legal teams.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had initially challenged the election results, accusing INEC of widespread irregularities and vote manipulation. In its petition, the PDP leaned heavily on documentary evidence rather than oral testimonies, in line with the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.
Key sections of the Act cited in the petition include Section 137, which prioritizes documentary evidence over oral testimony, and Section 73(2), which mandates the nullification of results from polling units where ballot paper and BVAS serial numbers were not pre-recorded. The Tribunal has already admitted crucial BVAS machines as evidence.
Testimonies from PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert witness (PW12), highlighted alleged manipulations during result collation.
Earlier, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja had adjourned proceedings until February 6, following INEC’s request. The Commission was set to begin its defense regarding the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election but informed the Tribunal that its five scheduled witnesses were delayed.
INEC’s counsel, Abdullahi Aliyu, told the Tribunal that the witnesses were held up on their journey from Benin City. In their absence, INEC opted to submit three documents to ensure some progress in the day’s proceedings.