Edo Governorship Election Tribunal to Hear from 290 Witnesses in Ighodalo vs. Okpebholo Case

The election petition tribunal in Benin City has announced that Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Governor Monday Okpebholo, will each present a total of 290 witnesses during the proceedings of their case.

This legal challenge involves Ighodalo contesting the declaration of Monday Okpebholo, the APC candidate, as the winner of the recent governorship election held on September 21, 2024, in Edo State, which was validated by INEC.

Chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice Wilfred Ikpochi, revealed these details during the weekend’s pre-hearing report and scheduling meeting with involved parties.

He did not specify the distribution of witnesses among the petitioners and respondents.

Ikpochi explained that the proposed witness list was part of a harmonized proposal from the parties.

Witnesses will only be allowed to testify if their statements on oath have been submitted in advance, including any subpoenas if necessary.

The tribunal outlined guidelines for the hearings, indicating that petitioners must present their witnesses within 21 days, while respondents have a timeframe of 10 days. The possibility of expert witnesses was also mentioned.

The tribunal emphasized that all legal documents should be accepted and objections raised separately during final arguments.

It specified that baseless requests for adjournments will be denied, as the timing of election petitions is critical.

No written address from counsel should exceed 40 pages and must adhere to a double-spacing format with a 14-point font size.

The tribunal encouraged lawyers to maintain clear and concise briefs, in accordance with the Electoral Act of 2022.

Justice Ikpochi further stated that there will be no consolidation of this petition with others, nor will there be amendments or additional particulars unless specifically requested by the petitioners through interrogatories directed at INEC and Okpebholo.

The tribunal has scheduled the next session for January 13, 2025, and clarified that hearings will be held daily at 10 a.m., except on Sundays and public holidays, with the potential for adjustments based on workload.