In a dramatic turn at the Edo State Election Petition Tribunal, APC governorship candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo closed his defense with a single witness whose testimony – according to the PDP – inadvertently strengthened their case by confirming electoral malpractice and a violation of the Electoral Act.
Speaking on Arise Television’s News Night on February 10, Edo PDP Chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemin dissected the implications of Okpebholo’s witness’ submission. The witness, Usman Majek, an APC polling agent for Ward 7, Unit 4 in Ovia South West, admitted under cross-examination that over-voting had occurred in his unit.
According to the Form EC8A from the unit, APC secured 108 votes while PDP got 76. However, the total votes cast were 204, exceeding the 189 accredited voters recorded by INEC’s BVAS. This clear case of over-voting directly violates the Electoral Act, which mandates that any result exceeding accredited voter figures must be nullified.
Aziegbemin emphasized that PDP’s legal strategy was lazer-focused on 765 polling units where over-voting and other infractions occurred. “The principle is simple,” he stated. “The Electoral Act is clear—when the number of votes surpasses accredited voters, the result is invalid. Today, APC’s own witness confirmed our argument.”
He further noted that if illegally inflated results were removed, and lawful votes correctly collated, Ighodalo would emerge as the legitimate winner. He also questioned APC’s legal approach, suggesting that presenting just one witness—who admitted to non-compliance with the Electoral Act—was an act of desperation.
“With this admission, the case is practically closed,” Aziegbemin declared. “INEC and Okpebholo have both closed their cases. Now we wait to see what last-minute maneuver APC will attempt in court on Wednesday.”
As the tribunal moves toward judgment, PDP remains confident. “The facts speak for themselves,” Aziegbemin concluded. “Over-voting occurred. The Electoral Act was violated. We have to as a nation say enough is enough of this impunity. The law should take its course.“
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