The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its case before the Edo State governorship election tribunal without calling a witness.
INEC’s legal counsel formally moved to close the case, a motion accepted by the tribunal. The Commission will rely solely on cross-examinations and legal arguments presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo’s legal team.
The case stems from a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which challenged the election results, alleging widespread irregularities and vote manipulation by INEC.
Citing the 2022 Electoral Act, the PDP’s legal team focused primarily on documentary evidence rather than oral testimony. The petition relies on key provisions of the Act, including Section 137, which gives precedence to documentary evidence, and Section 73(2), which mandates the nullification of results in polling units where ballot paper and BVAS serial numbers were not pre-recorded.
The tribunal has admitted critical BVAS machines into evidence. PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert witness (PW12), have testified, alleging systemic manipulation during the collation of results.
With INEC closing its case, the tribunal will now proceed with further arguments and deliberations.
