The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented the official results of the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
INEC’s Submission
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, INEC’s lawyer, Abdullahi Aliyu (SAN), tendered the following documents before the tribunal:
- Certified true copy (CTC) of the election results.
- Declaration of results document.
- INEC’s Regulations & Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2022.
Response from Parties Involved
- Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), representing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, did not object to the documents’ admission. He noted that his clients had already submitted the same documents as evidence of alleged manipulation by INEC in favor of the APC and its candidate.
- Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), lawyer for Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and APC’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), also raised no objections.
The tribunal chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, admitted the documents as exhibits in evidence.
INEC to Call Witnesses
- INEC’s lawyer, Aliyu, informed the tribunal that the electoral body would call five witnesses over the next five days, instead of the 10 days originally allocated.
- Most of the witnesses are coming from Benin, Edo State, and will begin their testimonies on Thursday.
What’s Next?
- INEC will begin witness testimonies on Thursday.
- The tribunal will examine claims of election manipulation raised by the PDP and its candidate.
- The tribunal’s decision could have significant implications for the validity of Governor Okpebholo’s election victory.
This case remains a key political battle in Edo State as stakeholders await the tribunal’s ruling on the authenticity of the election results.
