The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its case before the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal without presenting a witness.
INEC’s legal counsel formally moved to close its case without calling any witnesses, a motion accepted by the Tribunal.
The Commission will rely solely on cross-examinations and arguments from the legal teams of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had initially challenged the election results, accusing INEC of widespread irregularities and vote manipulation.
The party’s legal team, leveraging the 2022 Electoral Act, focused on documentary evidence rather than oral testimony.
Key provisions of the Act, including Section 137— which prioritizes documentary evidence over oral testimony— and Section 73(2), which mandates the nullification of results in polling units where ballot paper and BVAS serial numbers were not pre-recorded, form the crux of the PDP’s petition.
The Tribunal has already admitted critical BVAS machines into evidence.
Testimonies from PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert witness (PW12), detailed alleged manipulation during result collation.
The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja had earlier adjourned proceedings till February 6 at the request of INEC, whose five witnesses were absent in court.
INEC had been scheduled to begin its defense of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election but informed the Tribunal that its witnesses were delayed en route from Benin City.
Counsel to the electoral body, Abdullahi Aliyu, instead opted to tender three documents as evidence to make progress in the day’s proceedings.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate