The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced its defence at the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, presenting 28 witnesses to testify and tender exhibits. The APC’s defence follows a petition seeking to nullify the outcome of the September 21, 2024, governorship election, which declared APC candidate Governor Monday Okpebholo as the winner.
Among the witnesses called to testify were Local Government Collation Agents from the APC, who explained why the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cancelled results from several polling units due to over-voting. The APC’s first witness, Mr. Afuda Theophilus, a businessman, identified election results from Esan North East Local Government Area, which were already exhibits before the tribunal.
During cross-examination, Theophilus admitted that over-voting occurred in one polling unit in Esan North East LGA, contradicting his earlier sworn testimony. He also acknowledged that INEC officials had discarded results from polling units where over-voting was detected.
