The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has deferred sessions until March 3 to allow petitioners to adopt their final written speeches.
Neither the petitioners nor the respondents opposed the APC’s suggestion to close the matter.
The adjournment came after the All Progressives Congress (APC) decided to close its case without presenting any additional witnesses to defend Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024 election.
The tribunal is hearing a challenge filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s designation of Okpebholo as the victor of the elections.
On Wednesday, the APC announced that 28 witnesses were ready to testify and defend Okpebholo’s victory.
At the hearing, the party, however, presented four witnesses; three of the four witnesses alleged incidents of over-voting during the governorship election.
However, they also stated that the results from the polling units where over-voting was recorded were cancelled.
During Thursday’s proceedings, however, APC’s lead counsel, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), announced that the party would not be calling any additional witnesses as previously stated.
He told the court that the documents that they sought to rely upon to defend their case could not arrive from Benin City; hence, they can’t proceed with the case.
“Yesterday, we promised to present 28 witnesses.
“However, after a comprehensive review and considering that the documents are still in Benin, we have decided not to proceed with calling additional witnesses,” Orbih said.
“My Lords, time is of the essence, and we do not want to waste the tribunal’s time. We are happy to close the third respondent’s case if it pleases your Lordships.”
Neither the petitioners nor the respondents objected to APC’s submission.
