The recent developments in the Edo Tribunal have taken an intriguing turn, with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s witness providing a significant boost to the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) case. This pivotal moment occurred as the tribunal heard testimony from Usman Majek, an APC polling agent for Ward 7, Unit 4 in Ovia South West. The witness confessed under cross-examination that over-voting had indeed taken place in his unit, shedding light on a critical discrepancy.
In a revealing interview on Arise Television’s News Night, Edo PDP Chairman Dr. Anthony Aziegbemin delved into the repercussions of this witness’s admission. The implications are profound, as the witness’s acknowledgment of over-voting directly contravenes the Electoral Act. The figures tell a compelling story—the total votes cast exceeded the number of accredited voters, rendering the result invalid. This breach of electoral regulations underscores the gravity of the situation and underscores the importance of upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Legal Implications of Over-Voting
Aziegbemin emphasized that the PDP’s legal strategy focuses on 765 polling units where infractions such as over-voting occurred. This strategic approach aims to rectify the discrepancies and ensure that the rightful winner emerges. By highlighting the Electoral Act’s provisions, which mandate the nullification of results that surpass accredited voter figures, Aziegbemin underscored the importance of adhering to legal standards in upholding the democratic process.
“The principle is simple,” he emphasized. “The Electoral Act clearly defines the consequences of over-voting, and today, the APC’s witness has inadvertently validated our argument. This admission strengthens our case and underscores the need for accountability in our electoral system.”
By challenging the authenticity of the results and questioning the legal tactics employed by the APC, Aziegbemin highlighted the significance of transparency and fair play in electoral proceedings. The admission of over-voting by the APC’s own witness serves as a compelling piece of evidence that bolsters the PDP’s claims and underscores the need for adherence to legal standards.
Debunking Allegations of Petition Filing
In response to the PDP’s petition concerning alleged over-voting during the September 21 governorship election, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa refuted the opposition’s claims. Addressing the media in Benin, the Edo State capital, Idahosa debunked the allegations of over-voting, citing canceled results from affected areas.
Idahosa clarified that results from areas where over-voting occurred had already been annulled, rendering the opposition’s claims baseless. He pointed out that the canceled results were excluded from the official forms, making the PDP’s challenge unfounded. This revelation sheds light on the intricacies of the electoral process and underscores the importance of factual accuracy in legal proceedings.
“The onus is on PDP to substantiate their claims,” Idahosa asserted. “However, the contradictions in their witnesses’ testimonies cast doubt on the validity of their petition. Our legal team may not even need to call any witnesses, given the inconsistencies in the opposition’s case.”
The unfolding events in the Edo Tribunal underscore the complexities of legal proceedings and the need for factual accuracy in presenting a compelling case. As the case unfolds, the spotlight remains on upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring that the electoral process remains fair and transparent.
With the latest developments shaping the trajectory of the tribunal proceedings, the stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain. As the legal battle unfolds, the significance of adhering to legal standards and upholding the integrity of the electoral process is paramount. The implications of over-voting and electoral violations reverberate through the political landscape, underscoring the need for accountability and transparency in safeguarding the democratic principles that underpin our society.
