INEC Closes Case at Edo Governorship Tribunal Without Presenting Witnesses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its case at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal without presenting any witnesses. INEC’s legal team formally moved to close the case, a request that was accepted by the Tribunal. The commission will rely on cross-examinations and arguments from the legal teams of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) initially challenged the election results, accusing INEC of widespread irregularities and vote manipulation. Instead of calling witnesses, the PDP’s legal team focused on documentary evidence, referencing key provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. Notably, Section 137, which prioritizes documentary over oral evidence, and Section 73(2), which calls for the nullification of results in polling units where ballot papers and BVAS serial numbers were not recorded, are central to their petition. The Tribunal has already admitted crucial BVAS data into evidence.
PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert (PW12), provided testimonies outlining systematic manipulation during the result collation process.
Earlier, the Tribunal had adjourned proceedings on Wednesday, February 5, due to the absence of INEC’s five scheduled witnesses, who were delayed on their way from Benin City. INEC was set to begin its defense of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, but counsel for the electoral body, Abdullahi Aliyu, informed the Tribunal that the witnesses were unable to attend.
