In a dramatic turn at the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) opted for an unusual legal strategy—calling only one witness before abruptly closing his defence.
Okpebholo’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Onyechi Ikpeazu, opened and closed its case on Monday with the testimony of a sole witness, Mr. Usman Majek, a polling unit agent for the APC during the September 21, 2024, election.
At the resumed hearing, Ikpeazu requested that the three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, allow him to present the single witness, signaling a swift approach to defending the governor’s electoral victory.
During cross-examination, Majek made a startling revelation—he admitted that overvoting occurred in his polling unit. He further acknowledged that accreditation and voting took place simultaneously, a clear deviation from standard electoral procedures.
Majek disclosed that he had raised concerns about the integrity of the results by reporting the discrepancies to both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the police. However, despite his objections, he had still signed the result sheet.
Following Majek’s testimony, Ikpeazu applied to formally close Okpebholo’s defence. With no objections from opposing counsel, the tribunal granted the request and adjourned proceedings until February 12, when the APC is expected to present its own case.
The governorship election remains a contentious issue as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, continue their legal battle to overturn Okpebholo’s victory. The PDP has petitioned the tribunal to annul the election, citing alleged non-compliance with the Electoral Act of 2022.
The opposition further contends that Okpebholo did not lawfully secure the highest number of valid votes, raising questions about the credibility of the election results.
With the tribunal set to resume on February 12, all eyes remain on the legal fireworks as the APC prepares to mount its defence against the PDP’s claims. The next phase of the proceedings will be critical in determining the fate of Edo’s governorship seat.
PIONEER NEWS 