The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has adjourned proceedings to 3rd March for parties involved to adopt their final written addresses.
The adjournment followed the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s decision to close its case without presenting further witnesses in defence of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the 21st September 2024 election.
The tribunal is hearing a petition from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration of Okpebholo as the winner.
On Wednesday, the APC indicated it had 28 witnesses prepared to testify in defence of Okpebholo’s victory. However, the party ultimately presented only four witnesses, three of whom alleged incidents of over-voting. They also stated that results from affected polling units were cancelled.
During Thursday’s proceedings, APC’s lead counsel, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), announced that the party would not be calling additional witnesses, citing the unavailability of crucial documents still in Benin City.
“We reviewed our position and, given the absence of necessary documents, we have decided not to proceed with further witnesses,” Orbih stated.
With no objections from either the petitioners or respondents, the tribunal formally closed the case and adjourned until 3rd March for the adoption of final written addresses.