The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Monday opened his case at the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja.
The governor opened and closed his case by calling only one witness.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo are challenging the outcome of the September 21, 2024 election over alleged widespread irregularities.
At the resumed hearing, the governor’s counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), told the tribunal that the business of the day was for his client to open his case.
Ikpeazu urged Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member tribunal to allow him to call his only witness.
The witness, Mr. Usman Majek told the tribunal that he was a polling unit agent of the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the election.
Under cross examination, the witness agreed that there was over voting in his polling unit.
He also affirmed that in his unit, accreditation and voting took place simultaneously.
Majek told the tribunal that he complained to the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the result he entered on the result sheet after he signed it.
After Majek’s testimony, Ikpeazu applied to close the defence of his client.
The tribunal granted the application especially as there was no objection from the other counsel.
The tribunal adjourned proceedings till February 12 for the APC to open its case.
