Leadnaija
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State remains confident in its chances of overturning the results of the September 21, 2024, governorship election at the Election Petition Tribunal. According to Vanguard, Chief Anthony Aziegbemin, the state party chairman, expressed optimism that the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi and currently sitting in Abuja, would rule in their favor. The case has been adjourned until Wednesday as legal proceedings continue.
The PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, are contesting the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo the winner, but the PDP is challenging the outcome, citing electoral irregularities. INEC’s legal team, led by former Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Kanu Agabi, is defending the election results against the PDP’s claims.TAP HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY ▶▶▶▶
According to Aziegbemin, the PDP has presented a strong case, backed by the testimony of 19 witnesses who provided evidence of alleged electoral malpractice. The party has focused on proving that while the voting process at polling units was largely smooth, irregularities emerged during the collation of results at the ward level. The PDP claims that INEC played a role in these inconsistencies, which they believe significantly influenced the election’s outcome.
One of the central arguments in the case revolves around the use of 153 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines from 133 disputed polling units. The PDP has raised concerns over INEC’s refusal to allow these machines to be submitted as evidence, despite the fact that the electoral body had previously certified them. The party finds it unusual that INEC would object to its own certified documents being used in court.
Aziegbemin noted that while it is expected for Governor Okpebholo and the APC to oppose the petition, INEC’s resistance to presenting its own verified records raises suspicions. He emphasized that the party’s legal team has built a case primarily on documentary evidence, demonstrating how the election results were allegedly manipulated. This, he believes, strengthens their position before the tribunal.
According to him, “We are confident of victory because we have presented our witnesses to speak to our case which is principally about the fact that elections held at the 4,519 polling units in Edo State. You conducted an election and certified documents for the petitioners, yet, when the petitioners wanted to tender the same documents you said you are objecting to it and will give reasons later, is that not strange?. I can understand Okpebholo and the APC objecting, but for INEC to object to its own documents being tendered in court, I think it is strange.”TAP HERE TO READ THE FULL STORY ▶▶▶▶
