PDP says Gov. Okpebholo’s witness strengthened its case at Edo Election Tribunal
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the sole witness Governor Monday Okpebholo presented before closing his defence at the tribunal has strongly strengthened its case.
Speaking on Arise Television, , Edo PDP Chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemin, spoke on the implications of Okpebholo’s witness’ submission.
The witness, Usman Majek, an APC polling agent for Ward 7, Unit 4 in Ovia South West, admitted under cross-examination that over-voting had occurred in his unit.
According to the Form EC8A from the unit, APC secured 108 votes while PDP got 76. However, the total votes cast were 204, exceeding the 189 accredited voters recorded by INEC’s BVAS. This clear case of over-voting directly violates the Electoral Act, which mandates that any result exceeding accredited voter figures must be nullified.
Aziegbemin stated that PDP’s legal strategy was focused on 765 polling units where over-voting and other infractions occurred.
“The principle is simple,” he stated. “The Electoral Act is clear—when the number of votes surpasses accredited voters, the result is invalid. Today, APC’s own witness confirmed our argument.”
He added that if illegally inflated results were removed, and lawful votes correctly collated, Ighodalo would emerge as the legitimate winner.
“With this admission, the case is practically closed,” Aziegbemin said.
“INEC and Okpebholo have both closed their cases. Now we wait to see what last-minute maneuver APC will attempt in court on Wednesday.
“The facts speak for themselves. Over-voting occurred. The Electoral Act was violated. We have to as a nation say enough is enough of this impunity. The law should take its course.”
