No fewer than 290 witnesses are set to testify at the Edo Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, where the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo in the September 21, 2024 election is being contested by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its candidate Asue Ighodalo, and several other political parties.
The announcement of the witness count was made during the tribunal’s pre-hearing session on Saturday. Following the conclusion of preliminary formalities, the tribunal, chaired by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, adjourned proceedings to January 13, 2025, when the hearing will commence in full.
Okpebholo’s Victory Under Scrutiny
Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, was declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with 291,667 votes, defeating Ighodalo of the PDP, who garnered 247,274 votes. The PDP and other petitioners are challenging the legitimacy of the results, citing alleged irregularities during the election process.
Witness Examination Guidelines
The adopted pre-hearing report outlines strict timelines for the examination of witnesses:
- Star Witnesses:
- 40 minutes for examination-in-chief
- 30 minutes for cross-examination by petitioners
- 20 minutes for cross-examination by each respondent
- 10 minutes for re-examination
- Other Witnesses:
- 25 minutes for examination-in-chief
- Similar proportional times for cross and re-examinations
Petitioners are expected to present their witnesses within 21 days, while respondents will have 10 days each to call their witnesses. The panel also approved the use of interpreters for witnesses requiring translation between English and native languages such as Benin, Esan, and Auchi dialects.
What\s Next?
Justice Kpochi emphasized the importance of adherence to the agreed timelines to ensure the tribunal’s efficiency. With the tribunal set to reconvene in January, all eyes will be on the evidence and testimonies presented by the 290 witnesses as they shape the outcome of this high-stakes political dispute.
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