Edo Election Tribunal: INEC Abruptly Closes Case Without Presenting Witnesses

Edo Election Tribunal: INEC Abruptly Closes Case Without Presenting Witnesses

Abuja, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unexpectedly closed its case without calling any witnesses. This surprising move has sparked intense speculation and left many observers bewildered, particularly those aligned with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Governor Monday Okpebholo.

INEC's Strategic Move

On Thursday, February 6, 2025, INEC's lead counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN), informed the tribunal of the commission's decision to forgo witness testimonies. This decision came as a shock, especially since INEC had previously sought an adjournment to February 6 to present five witnesses. Agabi stated, "After thorough consideration, we concluded that it was prudent to close our case based on the cross-examination of the petitioners' witnesses."

Context and Background

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, had contested the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, citing allegations of over-voting and inaccurate result computation. INEC had declared APC's Okpebholo as the winner with 291,667 votes, while Ighodalo garnered 247,655 votes. The petitioners argue that the election was marred by non-compliance with the Electoral Act, necessitating a thorough investigation.

Reactions from Legal Counsels

The counsel for the PDP and Ighodalo, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN), expressed no surprise at INEC's decision and did not object to the closure of the case. In contrast, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), representing Governor Okpebholo and the APC, requested an adjournment to prepare their defense, given that they had anticipated witness testimonies from INEC. Consequently, the tribunal adjourned the proceedings to February 10, 2025.

The abrupt closure of INEC's case has raised several questions regarding the commission's defense strategy and its implications for the tribunal's final ruling. Analysts suggest that this move could indicate INEC's confidence in the evidence already presented or a strategic decision to avoid potential risks associated with witness testimonies.

As the tribunal gears up to hear the defense of Governor Okpebholo and the APC, the political atmosphere in Edo State remains tense. The outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the state's governance and the credibility of the electoral process.

INEC's unexpected decision to close its case without calling any witnesses at the Edo Election Tribunal adds a new layer of complexity to the proceedings. This move, while raising eyebrows, underscores the high stakes involved in the dispute over the governorship election results. As the tribunal resumes its sessions, all eyes will be on the unfolding legal strategies and the eventual verdict that could shape the future of Edo State's political landscape.