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Monday Okpebholo and Asue Ighodalo
The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja on Thursday adjourned proceedings until March 3 for the adoption of final written addresses after the All Progressives Congress closed its defence without calling additional witnesses.
The APC had opened its case on Wednesday to defend Governor Monday Okpebholo’s victory in the September 21, 2024, governorship election, which is being challenged by the Peoples Democratic Party and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Although the party initially indicated plans to present 28 witnesses, only four were eventually called.
Three of them alleged incidents of over-voting but admitted that the results from the affected polling units had been canceled.
During Thursday’s proceedings, APC’s lead counsel, Ferdinand Orbih (SAN), informed the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led panel that the party would no longer be calling more witnesses, citing the unavailability of key documents needed for their defence.
“Yesterday, we promised to present 28 witnesses. However, after a comprehensive review and considering that the documents are still in Benin, we have decided not to proceed with calling additional witnesses.
“My Lords, time is of the essence, and we do not want to waste the tribunal’s time. We are happy to close the third respondent’s case if it pleases your Lordships,” Orbih said.
Neither the petitioners nor the respondents objected to the APC’s decision to close its case.
Following this, the tribunal formally closed the defence and adjourned proceedings until March 3, allowing all parties time to file and respond to their final written addresses before their adoption on the scheduled date.
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