Edo Tribunal: INEC submits more BVAS as PDP wraps up case

A dramatic twist unfolded on Monday at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) unexpectedly submitted additional BVAS machines as evidence. This move reinforces the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) long-standing claim of over-voting in the September 21, 2024 election.

The sudden submission of the additional devices sent shockwaves through the courtroom, catching the legal teams representing the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo off guard. INEC officials, appearing as witnesses, tendered the extra BVAS machines, further bolstering the PDP’s argument that the final election results were manipulated.

The admission of the fresh evidence provoked immediate protests from the APC’s legal team, who vehemently objected to the submission at this stage of the proceedings. Despite their efforts to challenge the inclusion, the Tribunal overruled the objections, thereby allowing the new evidence to be considered.

Following the development, PDP counsel formally concluded their case, expressing confidence that the newly submitted evidence constituted the final nail in the coffin. “With the BVAS machines and all the evidence we have submitted to the court, our case is sealed,” a PDP lawyer remarked outside the courtroom.

In contrast, the APC legal team appeared visibly rattled, pleading for additional time to scrutinise the new evidence and prepare their defence. As a result, the Tribunal adjourned the case until Wednesday, 5 February, during which time INEC, along with Senator Okpebholo and the APC, are expected to produce their own witnesses to defend the claim that Governor Okpebholo was duly elected.

The latest development at the Edo Tribunal underscores the volatile nature of the ongoing electoral dispute, setting the stage for a contentious and closely watched legal battle in the days ahead.