The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally closed its case before the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal without presenting a single witness.
INEC’s legal counsel moved to close its case, a motion accepted by the Tribunal. The Commission will instead rely solely on cross-examinations and arguments from the legal teams of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had initially challenged the election results, accusing INEC of widespread irregularities and vote manipulation. The party’s legal team focused heavily on documentary evidence rather than oral testimony, leveraging key provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Tribunal has already admitted critical BVAS machines as evidence. PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert witness (PW12), testified to alleged manipulation during result collation.
Meanwhile, INEC had been scheduled to begin its defense on the conduct of the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election but informed the Tribunal that its five listed witnesses were unable to appear, citing travel delays from Benin City. Instead, the Commission opted to submit three documents as evidence.
The Tribunal, which had earlier adjourned proceedings at INEC’s request, resumed hearings today, February 6.
