Edo Election Tribunal: APC Abruptly Closes Case, As Court Adjourns

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Contrary to its promise of calling in 28 witnesses to defend its victory at the ongoing Edo Election Petition Tribunal ,the All Progressive Congress APC ,on Thursday February hurriedly closed its case, after calling in only four witnesses.

This is just as the Tribunal adjourned proceedings to March 3, 2025 for all parties to adopt their written addresses.

Curiously enough, three out of the witnesses shockingly admitted incidences of over-voting during the  September 21, 2024 gubernatorial polls.

The APC is fighting hard to defend its victory and that of its candidate Governor Monday Okpebholo, at the polls.

The Source reports that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its flag bearer, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, had petitioned the Tribunal alleging massive manipulation of  electoral figures and rampant cases of over-voting.

They are praying the Tribunal for a reversal of the outcome.of the polls which saw the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declaring the APC winner.

At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, February, 12, the APC had opened its defence with a firm commitment to calling 28 witnesses.

But during Thursday’s proceedings, the party suddenly announced that it was closing its defence after the appearance of four witnesses.

The witnesses, after admitting some incidences of over-voting, however, added that the electoral umpire did not record such results.

Explaining the sudden decision to close its case, the APC lead counsel Ferdinand Orbih, blamed the situation on the non- availability of expected documents.

According to him, some of the documents they had relied upon to defend their case could not arrive from Benin, hence the decision to halt the defence .

” Yesterday,( Wednesday February 12) we promised to present 28 witnesses .However ,after a comprehensive review ,and considering that the documents are still in Benin, we have decided not to proceed with calling additional witnesses.

My lords, time is of the essence, and we do not want to waste the Tribunal’s time .We are happy to close the third respondent’s case if it pleases your lordships” Orbih informed .

With no objection from the PDP camp, the Tribunal adjourned further proceedings to March 3, 2025.