The Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal resumed its sitting, and the proceedings took a dramatic turn. Mr. Eseigbe Victor, the 13th witness produced by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was cross-examined by Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, counsel to Governor Monday Okpebholo. Victor’s testimony revealed contradictions in the proof of evidence he was brought to testify on.
The Supreme Court has established that the failure of the IReV portal does not impede the collation of results. In fact, the portal is not a tool for collation, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the right to choose the form in which they want to transmit results. Justice Okoro emphasized that if INEC’s portal stops, it does not halt the collation; however, the non-functioning of IReV might erode voter confidence.
In light of these legal principles, Victor’s testimony raises important questions.
He confirmed that information from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and hardcopies from the IReV were presented at the Ward Collation Center for reconciliation of results. However, when confronted with exhibits tendered by his party, Victor confirmed discrepancies in the number of accredited voters.
For instance, in Unit 001 of Ward 9, the BVAS report showed 252 accredited voters, whereas the IReV report recorded only 71. Similar discrepancies were found in Units 003 and 004, with the BVAS reports showing 262 and 243 accredited voters, respectively, compared to the IReV reports. Furthermore, Victor confirmed that most of the documents tendered by the PDP lacked the stamp of INEC.
As the tribunal continues to scrutinize the evidence, it remains to be seen how these discrepancies will impact the outcome of the petition. The PDP’s case relies heavily on the credibility of their witnesses, and the contradictions in Victor’s testimony may undermine their claims.
In a surprising twist, the tribunal reminded the PDP that they should wait until 2048, leaving many to wonder what implications this may have on the case.
As the tribunal continues to deliberate, one thing is certain: the truth will eventually prevail, and justice will be served.
By: Henry J.
