After calling only one witness, Governor Monday Okpebholo yesterday closed his case before the Edo Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
The petitioner, Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, last year governorship election, last week closed his case after calling 19 witnesses.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has also closed its case without calling any witnesses.
The PDP and Ighodalo are challenging the declaration of Okpebholo, who was the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The petitioners are alleging over-voting, non-serialisation of electoral materials and incorrect computation of results by the INEC, acts they claimed were in favour of the APC.
Okpebholo’s lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), had earlier indicated his client’s intention to call six witnesses, but he ended up calling only one.
The witness, Majek Osumah, from Ward 7, Unit 4, Ovia Southwest Local Government, testified that the election was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.
Osumah, however, noted that the result of Ward 7, Unit 4, was cancelled due to over-voting.
He claimed to have worked as a polling unit agent, adding that in Form EC8B, the column for the result of his unit had no record.
The witness stated that the result was cancelled when it was discovered that there was over-voting.
Osumah said there were complaints and protests, following which the Ward Collation Officer agreed to cancel the results.
After his testimony, Ikpeazu announced the closure of the second respondent’s case.
APC’s lawyer, Emmanuel Ukala (SAN), sought an adjournment to a later date to enable his client to open its defence.
Justice Wilfred Kpochi, who is the Chairman of the three-member tribunal, adjourned till tomorrow for the APC to open its defence.
PDP, Ighodalo’s camps in disarray
The camps of PDP and Ighodalo have been thrown into disarray as their hope in the tribunal appears to be fading.
This followed Senator Okpebholo’s decision to present only one witness.
In what could be described as a mockery of the case presented by the PDP and Ighodalo, which APC calls ‘shambolic,’ Okpebholo’s decision is seen by legal experts as “a master clapback that has completely removed the life support from PDP’s already dying case.”
The move shows that the PDP and Ighodalo’s petition is not worth their time. They believe it lacks substance, and therefore the calibre of legal professionals assigned by Governor Okpebholo and the APC won’t waste their time.
“The onus of proof is on him that alleges. Since the challengers have failed woefully in proving their case, it is needless and time-wasting for the APC to begin to massage the ego of the PDP by presenting witnesses. No need dignifying them with a response, where none is expected,” one of Okpebholo’s lawyers told reporters.
“The response of the INEC and the APC is strategic, stunning and iconic,” APC State Chairman, Jarret Tenebe, added.
“Interesting days are here indeed. All of a sudden, the joy of the PDP and their supporters has been cut short. Nowhere to lean on again for support. No one is even willing to give them the opportunity to rant and let out their frustrations. It is sad indeed.
“These are hard times for Asue, the PDP and their supporters. The party of orphans is left drenched in the rain as they look on, hopelessly, frustrated.
“Ighodalo, the once self-acclaimed legal icon, is taking Legal Method 101 lessons from Monday Okpebholo, the artesian.
“What an interesting time to be a Nigerian. Truly, interesting days are upon us!” Tenebe added.
