At the resumed sitting of the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday, 10th February, drama was played in the open as a witness for Governor Monday Okpebholo crumbled under intense cross-examination by lawyers representing the petitioners.
Governor Okpebholo was declared victorious in the September 21, 2024 off cycle election, but is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
The witness, Usman Majek (31), from Usen in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, was was brought in by Okpebholo’s lawyers to testify in defense of the election results.
However, the witness under cross-examination, lent credence to the fact that over-voting had took place in his polling unit.
When presented with some Polling Unit Results and Exhibit PBA-40, the official result sheets, the following cross-examination took place:
Counsel: “That’s your PU result? And you signed it?”
Majek: “Yes l, my Lord.”
Counsel: “Was there over-voting?”
Majek: “Yes, there was over-voting.”
The foundations laid and admission made under oath immediately caused an uproar in court.
Ovia South-West is the home LGA of the Deputy Governor of the state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
Over-voting where the number of votes cast exceeds the number of accredited voters is a violation of the Electoral Act 2022.
Meanwhile, following the testimony, legal representatives for Okpebholo unexpectedly declined to call additional witnesses, despite previously indicating they would do so.
Instead, they closed their case.
APC’s counsel requested an adjournment, stating they needed time to reassess their witness strategy.
The tribunal granted the plea and adjourned proceedings until Wednesday, February 12, 2025.
