FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY
Hearing at the Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led three-member Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal was adjourned till Tuesday, following an appeal by the legal team of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Governor Monday Okpebholo to give them additional time to study the list of witnesses of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and enable them prepare for cross-examination.
Moving the application at the resumed hearing in the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, counsel to the first respondent, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN) protested that they were deeply concerned about the number of witnesses paraded by PDP and needed more time to study the list and prepare for their cross examination.
It would be recalled that Dr Asue Ighodalo and PDP had penultimate week tendered in evidence over 1,004 documentary evidence and was fully ready to commence the appearance of a retinue of witnesses in proof of their petition challenging INEC’s declaration of Senator Okpebholo as winner of the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
At the resumed hearing yesterday, PDP’s witnesses defied the threats not to show up amidst tight security, but counsels to the respondents begged the court for adjournment on technical grounds.
The petitioner’s legal team, however, stormed the court with the schedule of their witnesses in the petition marked EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024.
The respondent’s legal team quickly asked for an adjournment, saying the schedule was just served on them.
However, counsel to PDP, Adetunji Oyeyipo (SAN) countered that it was not deliberate, explaining that it was because of the situation that the petitioners found themselves.
To maintain order, the court had to enforce strict access control, only allowing petitioners, witnesses, lawyers and accredited members of the press.
Meanwhile, the respondents prayer for adjournment was subsequently granted and the tribunal will reconvene today (Tuesday).
