Drama at Edo Tribunal as Okpebholo’s witness admits over-voting

In a stunning twist at the ongoing Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s legal team abruptly closed their case on Monday, 10th February 2025, after their first key witness faltered under intense cross-examination by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

The unexpected development sent shockwaves through the packed courtroom, leaving supporters and legal experts alike in disbelief.

It may be recalled that the PDP and its governorship candidate in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, had filed a petition challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as Governor of Edo State. At the resumed hearing of the petition, marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, Okpebholo’s legal team, led by Onyechi Ikpeazu SAN, had been scheduled to present six witnesses in defence of multiple claims, including over-voting, non-serialization of electoral materials, and incorrect computation of results allegedly skewed in favour of the APC in the disputed September 21st governorship election in Edo State.

The drama began when Okpebholo’s witness, Usman Majek, a farmer from Ovia South-West Local Government Area, the stronghold of incumbent Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, admitted under cross-examination to instances of over-voting in his area. The admission directly contradicted earlier claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that the election in the region had been free and fair, sending ripples through the court.

Following this damaging testimony, Okpebholo’s legal team was visibly rattled and decided against presenting the remaining witnesses on their list, abruptly bringing their defence to an end.

In response, the APC’s counsel, Emanuel Ukala SAN, swiftly moved for an adjournment, requesting more time to reassess their defence strategy and call their own witnesses.

This development follows a similar move by INEC, which had closed its defence earlier without calling a single witness, despite having listed several individuals to support its declaration of Okpebholo as the winner of the disputed election.

The tribunal has adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, 12th February 2025, to allow the respondents time to review their case. The next phase of the proceedings will be closely watched as both parties prepare to present their arguments.