INEC’s Case Closure: No Witnesses Presented in Tribunal
On Thursday, February 6, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) concluded its defense at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal without presenting any witnesses. Initially, INEC had planned to call five witnesses to support its declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State. However, upon further consideration, INEC’s lead counsel, Kanu Agabi, SAN, informed the tribunal that they had decided not to present any witnesses.
Following INEC’s decision, the tribunal adjourned proceedings to Monday, February 10, 2025, to allow Governor Okpebholo to begin his defense. The petition challenging the election results was filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, who are contesting INEC’s declaration of Okpebholo as the election winner.
This development is significant in the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the Edo State governorship election, as it shifts the focus to the defense to be presented by Governor Okpebholo and the APC.
For more context on the tribunal’s earlier proceedings, you can watch the following video: