Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
The Edo State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Benin City, has admitted evidence of multiple cases of over-voting in Ovia South West Local Government Area, the home base of Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa.
Truth Live News confirmed that a Collation Agent from the area testified before the tribunal, alleging that over-voting occurred in seven polling units during the September 21 governorship election, with the irregularities favoring the All Progressives Congress (APC). The affected polling units were identified as PU 014, PU 007, PU 004, PU 006, PU 016, PU 028, and PU 034.
The witness provided documentary evidence, including BVAS accreditation reports, Certified True Copies (CTCs) of result sheets (Form EC8A-C), INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) records, and BVAS extracts. These documents allegedly showed that the total number of votes cast in the affected polling units exceeded the number of accredited voters.
Despite this apparent anomaly, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not cancel results from these polling units, the witness said. Under cross-examination, the witness revealed that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agents had protested the over-voting but were ignored by INEC presiding officers.
The tribunal admitted the witness’s statement on oath, overruling objections from INEC and APC counsels. The PDP hopes to use this evidence to strengthen its case against the APC’s victory in the governorship election.
The hearing continues as more PDP witnesses are set to testify. Truth Live News will continue to bring you live updates on the ongoing Edo State governorship election tribunal proceedings.