The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodaro, on Friday commenced litigation at the Electoral Petitions Tribunal, filing key documents substantiating claims of widespread electoral fraud.
Ighodaro, who claimed there was fraud in the poll, was unfairly denied victory by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) even though he had the highest number of valid votes, and was defeated by the All Progressives Congress. It claimed to have declared its candidate, Mr Okpebolo on Monday, the winner.
Naija News reported that at the resumed hearing, the petitioner’s lead lawyer, Adetunji Oyeyipoh (SAN), submitted certified true copies of key documents used in the election. The documents submitted included the following:
– Form EC8E (INEC final declaration result sheet).
– Form EC8D (Summary of local authority verification results).
– Forms EC8C (Results in Local Government Sector).
– Prepare EC8B (Ward Result Sheet for 192 wards in the state).
– More than 320 polling unit result sheets (form EC8A).
– INEC voting unit booklet containing form EC25D.
– Create EC8A documentation from INEC's IREV platform.
The presentation was given by Kenneth Mozia of SAN, representing Oeipo.
Objections raised by respondents
Lawyers for the respondents, including INEC, Governor Okpeboro and APC, challenged the admissibility of the documents.
On behalf of the respondents, Kanu Agabi of SAN, Onyeachi Ikpeazu of SAN, DC Denwigwe of SAN held briefs of Emmanuel Ukala SAN.
They informed the court that the challenge would be elaborated upon at the final speech stage of the proceedings.
Judge Wilfred Kpochi, who heads a three-member court, tentatively admitted the documents as exhibits, but said the defendants’ objections would be addressed later.
“A competent lawyer for the accused should state his objections at the speech stage,” Judge Kpochi ruled.
The hearing continues today (Saturday) and the petitioners are expected to submit additional evidence to support their claims.
In the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, Ighodalo and the PDP challenge the declaration of Okpeboro winner by INEC citing alleged violations of the 2022 Electoral Act.
