Latest
Tribunal Blasts PDP, Ighodalo For Witness Shortfall In Contentious Edo Election Petition
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has expressed frustration with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, over their failure to produce witnesses in their petition challenging the results of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
During Tuesday’s hearing in Abuja, counsel for the PDP and Ighodalo, Adetunji Oyeyipo, SAN, attributed the absence of witnesses to “travel disruptions.”
“My Lords, this is why we are unable to present them today. We respectfully ask for another date and assure your Lordships that we will present as many witnesses as required at the next hearing,” Oyeyipo pleaded.
The tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, did not conceal its displeasure.
“What you’re telling us is unacceptable! Why did we adjourn the other petitioners if we weren’t prepared to hear them today? Call your witnesses now; we’re ready to proceed,” Justice Kpochi responded sternly.
Despite the tribunal’s insistence, the petitioners’ counsel sought an adjournment, arguing that the witnesses might not be in the right frame of mind to testify after their travel difficulties. The tribunal reluctantly granted the adjournment, rescheduling the hearing for Thursday.
Earlier, the tribunal heard testimony from Oseyili Anenih, the PDP’s Director of Research and Strategy, who confirmed that the party was disputing results from 765 of the state’s 4,519 polling units. Under cross-examination, Anenih admitted that he had not visited all the polling units during the election. He said most of the evidence presented by the PDP was based on reports from agents and experts.
Anenih also acknowledged that many copies of election results submitted by PDP agents were unsigned. However, he maintained that if lawful votes were accurately counted, Ighodalo would have emerged victorious.
He further disclosed that the PDP did not have direct physical access to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines used during the election. Instead, the party relied on screenshots of BVAS data submitted as evidence.
Decoding Oredo: Why Hon. Engr. Esosa Iyawe FNSE Remains The Constant In A Changing Political Equation
Good Governance In Action: Nddc Md Hails Momoh’s Leadership Performance
“Controversy Erupts: Seun Kuti Accuses Obidients of Threats During Jail Stay
Makinde Under Pressure As Oyo Assembly Resumes With Impeachment Allegations Brewing
Breaking: ADC Youths Accuse Amupitan Of Bias, Call Him ‘Compromised’ In INEC Protest
Breaking: Federal Government Of Nigeria Bans Cement Importation, Releases Full List Of Restricted Goods
Supreme Court Shocks Kano Emirate Case, Adjourns Hearing Till 2027
Here’s What Happened” — Ex-Army Chief Buratai Speaks On Borno Airstrike Tragedy
Succession Buzz: Olusi Reveals Who May Replace Sanwo-Olu In 2027
