Edo Election Tribunal: APC Witness Admits Over-Voting, Exposing INEC Irregularities

 Edo Election Tribunal: APC Witness Admits Over-Voting, Exposing INEC Irregularities

In a pivotal moment at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, an All Progressives Congress (APC) witness conceded to instances of over-voting and highlighted procedural lapses by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

Key Admission by APC Witness

Usman Majek, a 31-year-old APC polling unit agent from Usen in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, testified under oath, acknowledging that over-voting occurred in his polling unit. During cross-examination, when presented with the official result sheet (Exhibit PBA40), Majek confirmed his signature and conceded the occurrence of over-voting. This admission is pivotal, as over-voting contravenes the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates that any result exceeding the number of accredited voters be nullified. 

INEC's Procedural Lapses Highlighted

Further testimonies at the tribunal illuminated alleged procedural shortcomings by INEC. A key witness for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), serving as the Director of Research and Strategy for their gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, presented a forensic analysis of electoral documents. The analysis revealed discrepancies in 445 polling units, including over-voting and incorrect result collation. Additionally, results from 320 polling units were deemed invalid due to INEC's failure to adhere to its Manual for Election Officials, specifically the omission of recording serial numbers of sensitive materials in Form EC25B.

PDP's Legal Challenge

The PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, have filed a petition challenging the declaration of APC's Monday Okpebholo as the election winner. They allege significant non-compliance with the Electoral Act and assert that Okpebholo did not secure the majority of lawful votes. The tribunal has admitted various documents as evidence, including BVAS accreditation reports and certified INEC forms, to substantiate these claims. 

Implications for Electoral Integrity

These revelations cast a spotlight on the integrity of the electoral process in Edo State. The acknowledgment of over-voting by an APC witness and the documented procedural lapses by INEC raise concerns about the credibility of the election results. As the tribunal proceedings continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the principles of free, fair, and transparent elections are upheld.

Next Steps in Tribunal Proceedings

Following the testimonies, the tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, has adjourned proceedings to allow for further examination of the evidence presented. The outcome of this tribunal is anticipated to have significant implications for the political landscape in Edo State and the broader Nigerian electoral system.

The tribunal's findings will be pivotal in determining the validity of the contested election results and may set a precedent for addressing electoral malpractices in future Nigerian elections.