The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has admitted evidence of multiple over voting in Ovia South West Local Government Area (LGA), home to the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa. The development came during the resumed hearing on 22 January 2025, involving the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024.

A collation agent for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) testified to alleged electoral irregularities in seven polling units during the governorship election held on 21 September 2024. The agent detailed how the total number of votes cast exceeded the total number of accredited voters in polling units 014, 007, 004, 006, 016, 028, and 034, all within Ovia South West LGA.

In his written statement on oath, the PDP witness accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of failing to annul results from the affected polling units despite clear evidence of over voting. He testified that PDP agents observed the irregularities, which allegedly favoured the All Progressives Congress (APC), and protested to INEC presiding officers, who reportedly ignored their concerns.

The witness backed his claims with a range of documents, including BVAS accreditation reports, certified true copies (CTCs) of Form EC8A-C result sheets, IREV reports, and BVAS extracts from INEC.

During the proceedings, counsels for the respondents raised objections to the admission of the witness’s statement on oath. Kanu Agabi (SAN), representing INEC, and Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing the APC governorship candidate and current deputy governor, argued against its inclusion. However, the tribunal ruled in favour of the PDP, admitting the evidence for further examination.

The tribunal will continue its hearing with additional witnesses from the PDP, as the party seeks to prove its allegations of electoral malpractice. The case has drawn significant public attention, given that the Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, hails from the implicated LGA.