The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal resumed its sitting in Abuja as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, continued their legal battle to nullify the election of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
PDP Witnesses Insist on Election Fraud
Several PDP witnesses testified before the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led tribunal, alleging that the September 21, 2024, election was rigged in favor of the APC.
One of the witnesses, Haruna Ibrahim, who served as a PDP polling agent in Ward 8, Auchi, claimed he noticed irregularities when the total votes recorded exceeded the accredited voters in his polling unit.
> “I immediately protested to the INEC officer at the polling unit,” Ibrahim told the tribunal.
He presented his witness statement, polling agent tag, and accreditation report from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), all of which were admitted as evidence.
Another witness, Okuo Taiye Esther, a PDP polling agent in Akoko-Edo LGA, alleged that over-voting was evident during ballot sorting and counting.
> “Before voting, INEC displayed the BVAS with no recorded figures. However, after voting, I noticed the total votes exceeded the accredited voters,” she testified.
INEC, APC Lawyers Reject Evidence
Despite the allegations, INEC’s legal team, led by former Attorney General of the Federation, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), dismissed the claims.
Similarly, Governor Okpebholo’s defense team, led by Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), and the APC’s lawyers, headed by Mr. D. C. Nwigwe (SAN), opposed the testimonies, arguing that they lacked credibility.
The respondents vowed to present counter-evidence in their final written submissions to the tribunal.
INEC Declared APC Winner, PDP Wants Results Nullified
According to INEC, Okpebholo of the APC secured 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo of the PDP, who got 247,655 votes.
However, the PDP is contesting the result, claiming the election was marred by irregularities and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.
The tribunal has already admitted 148 BVAS machines into evidence as the case progresses.
What’s Next?
With both parties standing their ground, the tribunal’s final verdict will be crucial in determining the legitimacy of the Edo State governorship election results.
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