INEC begins defence at Edo governorship tribunal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday commenced its defence at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, as the legal battle over the September 2024 election continues.

The petition, filed by Dr. Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), challenges the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing alleged irregularities.

Representing INEC, lawyer A. Amaliu submitted three key documents as evidence: the Certified True Copy (CTC) of Form EC8D (state-level results), the CTC of the Declaration of Result, and the CTC of the 2022 Regulations and Guidelines for Elections.

These were admitted as exhibits R1, R2, and R3 without objections from the legal teams representing the petitioners, Governor Okpebholo, and the APC.

INEC’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, initially planned to call witnesses the following day.

However, Amaliu informed the tribunal that the witnesses, who were traveling from Benin, were unavailable due to transportation challenges.

Tribunal Chairman Justice Wilfred Kpochi criticized the delay, stating that INEC had ample time since Monday to ensure their witnesses’ presence.

He insisted that they must be available at the next session.

Following a mutual agreement among all parties, the tribunal adjourned proceedings to February 5.

Ighodalo and the PDP are challenging Okpebholo’s election on grounds of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, alleged over-voting, and claims that he did not secure the majority of valid votes.

They have so far presented 19 witnesses and submitted supporting documents to substantiate their claims.