The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo closed his defense after calling just one single witness to defend his victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Monday. The governor who had earlier informed the tribunal that he would present six witnesses, abruptly closed his defense after his only witness, Usman Mark, was discharged.
Witnesses Admit to Over-Voting
The governor’s lone witness, Usman Mark, who served as an APC agent during the election insisted in his testimony that APC won the election fairly. However, under cross-examination, Mark admitted to overvoting in the deputy governor’s LGA. He, to the detriment of the APC, noted that the number of votes recorded at Ovia South West Local Government Area, a stronghold of incumbent Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, exceeded the number of accredited voters.
After Mark was discharged, Okpebholo’s lead counsel, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN closed the defense, informing the tribunal that they would not call any further witnesses. The court adjourned the proceeding until Wednesday for the APC’s defense.
Contrasting Defense Strategy
It is worth noting that INEC also closed its defense last Thursday without presenting any witnesses to testify before the tribunal. In contrast, the PDP in its argument had presented 19 witnesses and tendered multiple documents as evidence before closing their case. The PDP had petitioned the tribunal to nullify INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as the winner, claiming that the election was invalid due to non-compliance with the Electoral Act and also claiming that Okpebholo did not secure the highest number of votes.
Conclusion
Governor Okpebholo’s abrupt closure of his defense, following his sole witness’s admission of over-voting in a key LGA, significantly weakens his position. This, coupled with INEC’s lack of witnesses and the PDP’s substantial evidence presentation, suggests a challenging path ahead for him in upholding the election results. The tribunal’s decision will be crucial in determining the validity of the election and the legitimacy of Governor Okpebholo’s victory.
