The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded its case before the Edo State governorship election tribunal without presenting any witnesses.
On Tuesday, INEC’s legal counsel formally moved to close its case, a motion accepted by the tribunal.
The Commission will rely solely on cross-examinations and arguments from the legal teams of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The PDP had earlier challenged the election results, alleging widespread irregularities and vote manipulation orchestrated by INEC.
The party’s legal strategy leans on the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly Section 137, which prioritises documentary evidence over oral testimony, and Section 73(2), which mandates nullification of results in polling units where ballot paper and BVAS serial numbers were not pre-recorded.
The Tribunal has already admitted critical BVAS machines into evidence, while testimonies from PDP witnesses, including local government agents and an expert witness (PW12), detailed alleged systemic manipulation during result collation.
INEC was initially scheduled to present its defence on the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial poll but cited logistical challenges as its five witnesses were held up on their trip from Benin City.
Instead, the Commission opted to tender three documents to demonstrate some level of participation in the proceedings.
The tribunal had adjourned further proceedings to today, February 6, to continue hearing arguments on the matter.
