Edo Election Dispute: PDP, Ighodalo Wrap Up Case with 19 Witnesses

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo, concluded their case on Monday before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. Over the course of the proceedings, the petitioners presented 19 witnesses to challenge the declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024 election.

Led by their lawyer, Robert Emukpoeruo (SAN), the petitioners argued that the election was marred by irregularities, citing alleged over-voting in multiple polling units. A key element of their case was the presentation of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices used during the election. A Senior Technical Officer from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Anthony Itodo, submitted five additional BVAS devices to the tribunal, bringing the total to 148 admitted as evidence.

Despite objections from the respondents, the tribunal accepted the BVAS data, allowing the PDP and Ighodalo to reinforce their claims that the election did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act. They insist that Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of lawful votes and are urging the tribunal to nullify INEC’s declaration of the APC candidate as the winner.

INEC had announced that Okpebholo won the election with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo, who secured 247,655 votes. However, the PDP contends that a review of the electoral process will reveal discrepancies significant enough to overturn the results.

Following the conclusion of the petitioners’ case, the three-member tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, adjourned proceedings until Wednesday, February 5, when INEC is expected to open its defense.