The ongoing Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, under case number EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024 filed by Accord Party’s Dr. Bright Enabulele has seen dramatic developments.
After the petitioner closed his case for cross-examination with three witnesses, the All Progressives Congress (APC) opened their case on Friday, February 7, 2024 for cross-examination by the counsel of Dr. Enabulele. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), despite being subpoenaed to present witnesses, showed up with zero witnesses, leading to a tense moment in the proceedings.
The APC, which is the second Respondent in the case, called three witnesses to defend the conduct of the election, and they are:
- The Legal Adviser of the APC
- The Local Government Area Collation Officer for Oredo LGA
- The Local Government Collation Officer for Akoko Edo LGA
Their testimonies centered on affirming that the election in Edo was conducted smoothly and without any significant issues. However, during cross-examination, the witnesses conceded that they were not present in all the polling units and locations during the election, leaving gaps in their knowledge of the overall conduct of the election. Despite this, the APC closed its case following the witnesses’ testimonies.
After the APC presented its case, it was the turn of INEC, the third Respondent, to open its case. However, in a move that raised eyebrows, INEC’s legal team announced that they had no witnesses to call. This unexpected decision came despite INEC being subpoenaed by the Accord Party to present witnesses to testify in the case.
The refusal to call witnesses, despite the tribunal’s explicit order, has sparked controversy. Legal observers have expressed concern over INEC’s apparent disregard for the tribunal’s authority, as well as its failure to fulfill its legal obligations. The petitioner’s legal team voiced their dissatisfaction on INEC, but also called the moves a significant win for the petitioner.
A spokesperson for the Accord Party candidate criticised INEC’s actions, emphasising that the refusal to present witnesses was a troubling development. “This refusal to bring witnesses, despite being legally compelled to do so, raises serious questions about INEC’s commitment to transparency and fairness,” the spokesperson stated. “We remain committed to ensuring a fair trial and seeing that the rightful winner of the election is declared.”
Following the closure of INEC’s case, the Tribunal issued an order for all parties to file written addresses.
The Respondents (APC and INEC) were given seven days to submit their addresses and serve them on the Petitioners. The Petitioners, in turn, were ordered to file their response within five days and serve the Respondents.
The case has been adjourned for the adoption of the written addresses. The outcome of this case is being closely followed, as it could set a crucial legal precedent for future electoral disputes in Nigeria.
The Accord Party candidate remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, continuing to call for a transparent and fair resolution of the election dispute.
