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The governorship election petition tribunal in Edo State on Monday witnessed a dramatic twist when Governor Monday Okpebholo’s first witness admitted to over-voting in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, promoting his rattled legal team to abruptly closed their case for the day.
Usman Majek, 31, from Usen in Ovia South-West LGA, who was called by Okpebholo’s lawyers to testify in defence of the election results caved in under cross-examination and confirmed that over-voting had taken place in his polling unit in Ovia South-West, the home local government of Dennis Idahosa, the state’s deputy governor.
When presented with polling unit results and Exhibit PBA40, the official result sheet, the following exchange took place:
Counsel: “That’s your PU result? You signed?”
Majek: “Yes.”
Counsel: “Was there over-voting?”
Majek: “Yes, there was over-voting.”
The admission, made under oath, immediately caused caused confusion in court.
By his admittance, it means that the number of votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters, which is a contravention of the Electoral Act 2022.
Following the unexpected turn of events, Okpebholo’s legal counsels for declined to call more witnesses, despite indicating to do so earlier.
Thereafter, the tribunal adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, February 12, to allow the respondents to re-evaluate their case.
Ifaluyi Isibor, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who spoke to journalists outside the courtroom after the adjournment, hailed the governor’s witness for being honest.
“With Senator Okpebholo closing his case after just one witness, just like INEC before him, it is clear they have no defence for the heist they committed.
“If they had any credible argument, they would have brought it forward. Instead, they have chosen silence, which in itself is an admission.”
