The All Progressives Congress (APC) has closed its defense in the ongoing petition at the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which contests its victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
As the third respondent in the case, the APC concluded its proceedings after four witnesses provided testimonies to support its claims of electoral success. During the tribunal session on Thursday, APC counsel Mr. Ferdinand Orbih, SAN, stated, “Taking all the enumerated factors into consideration, we are happy at this stage to close the 3rd respondent’s case, with the leave of my Lordships,” emphasizing the sufficiency of the documents submitted, cross-examinations, and evidence presented.
Justice Wilfred Kpochi granted the request to close the case after the petitioners did not object. The tribunal has scheduled March 3 for both parties to present their final written addresses.
Additionally, the three-member panel has allocated seven days for the respondents to file and deliver their processes to the petitioners, who are required to respond within five days of receipt. The tribunal also ruled that respondents may address points of law within three days after the petitioners’ replies.
The proceedings had previously been adjourned to allow the APC to submit additional documents, asserting that these were critical for its defense. Initially, the party had planned to call 28 witnesses to substantiate its victory claim.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which declared Governor Monday Okpebholo of the APC as the winner of the election, has faced a challenge from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. The petitioners argue that the governorship election was invalid due to alleged violations of the Electoral Act, claiming that Okpebholo did not achieve the highest valid votes cast. They presented 19 witnesses to argue that there was over-voting and miscalculation of votes in over 700 polling units.
While INEC refrained from calling any witnesses, it submitted 153 Bimodal Verification Accreditation System (BVAS) devices from 133 disputing polling units. Okpebholo called one witness, while the APC provided four.
Following the adoption of final written addresses on March 3, a date for the tribunal’s judgment will be set.
