By: Henry J
“A lie has no legs, but truth stands the test of time.” This ancient proverb rings true in the case of the Edo State governorship election tribunal’s verdict.
Asue Ighodalo was noticeably absent in the tribunal, but his spirit was seen lingering behind the courtroom drama, crying out “Obaseki, Obaseki, why hast thou forsaken me?” The tribunal’s unanimous decision to dismiss Ighodalo’s petition was a resounding affirmation of Senator Monday Okpebholo’s victory.
The tribunal’s verdict was clear: Ighodalo and the PDP failed to prove their allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with electoral laws. The burden of proof rested squarely on the petitioners, and they woefully failed to substantiate their claims.
Ighodalo’s evidence crumbled under scrutiny, with the tribunal rejecting his witnesses as “total strangers” to the polling units in dispute. The dumping of documents without substantiating witnesses was condemned, and the tribunal chairman aptly noted, “documents do not speak for themselves.”
The failure to render essential documents, including voter registers and BVAS machine data, further corroded Ighodalo’s case. Even if the disputed votes were removed, Senator Okpebholo would still have emerged victorious.
In conclusion, the tribunal’s verdict has reaffirmed the people’s mandate, and Senator Monday Okpebholo remains the duly elected governor of Edo State. As the saying goes, “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
