There was high drama at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Monday, as a witness called by Governor Monday Okpebholo admitted under oath that over-voting occurred in his polling unit during the September 21 governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the poll, after he secured 291,667 votes, defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who allegedly polled 247,655 votes.
However, Ighodalo and the PDP are challenging the outcome, alleging electoral fraud and over-voting.
The opposition party closed its case two weeks ago, after presenting evidence and witnesses to substantiate its claims.
As proceedings resumed on Monday, Okpebholo’s first defense witness, Usman Majek, a 31-year-old from Usen, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, took the stand.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, he admitted that over-voting took place in his polling unit.
During cross-examination, Majek was confronted with polling unit results and Exhibit PBA40, the official result sheet.
Counsel: “That’s your PU result? You signed?”
Majek: “Yes.”
Counsel: “Was there over-voting?”
Majek: “Yes, there was over-voting.”
The admission stunned the courtroom, causing an immediate uproar among observers and legal representatives.
Following the unexpected testimony, Okpebholo’s legal team declined to call additional witnesses, opting instead to close their defense immediately.
APC’s counsel subsequently requested an adjournment, stating that they needed time to reassess their witness strategy in light of Majek’s admission.
The tribunal, however, adjourned sitting to Wednesday.