23rd January, 2025
By Jethro Ibileke
A collation agent of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday presented evidence of alleged over voting during the September 21 Edo Governorship Election in favour of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Ovia West Local Government Area of the State before the election petition tribunal.
The witness alleged multiple over voting in favour of APC in seven polling Units in Ovia South West, while giving his evidence before Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal
It may be recalled that the running mate to APC governorship candidate and now Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa hails from Ovia South West LGA.
Giving his testimony at the resumed hearing of the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, the PDP witness and LGA collation agent alleged that the total number of votes cast exceeded the total number of accredited voters in PUs 014, 007, 004, 006, 016, 028 and 034 in Ovia South West LGA.
The witness averred in his written statement on oath that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC failed to cancel the affected polling units despite glaring evidence of multiple over voting that occurred.
Under cross examination, the witness revealed that PDP agents observed the over voting that took place in favour of APC in the affected polling units and raised a protest but the INEC presiding officers ignored them.
He relied on BVAS accreditation report, CTC of Result sheets Form EC8A-C, CTC of IREV and INEC CTCs of BVAS extracts in proof of his claim of multiple over voting in the affected polling units.
Counsels to the 1st Respondent (INEC), Kanu Agabi (SAN) and 2nd Respondent (Okpebholo), Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) had earlier raised some objections to the admission of his statement on oath but the Court admitted it.
The hearing continues today with examination of more PDP witnesses expected.