Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Today at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal, a witness from Etsako East Local Government Area (LGA) delivered a bombshell testimony on Friday, revealing shocking details of over-voting in his polling unit during the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Truth Live News confirmed that the witness, a Polling Unit Collation Agent for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dazzled the tribunal with a clear and compelling presentation of evidence, supported by data from the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines.
The witness, whose identity was not disclosed, explained how the total number of votes cast in his polling unit far exceeded the number of accredited voters recorded by the BVAS machine. His meticulous breakdown, backed by mathematical precision, left the tribunal visibly impressed and raised serious questions about the integrity of the election results in the area.
The testimony came a day after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), under subpoena, submitted BVAS machines used during the election. The PDP has consistently alleged widespread irregularities, including over-voting, in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During cross-examination by APC and its candidate’s legal teams, the witness stood firm, detailing how the over-voting should have led to the invalidation of the results from his polling unit. Instead, he claimed, the results were collated and included in the final tally, skewing the outcome in favor of the APC.
The witness’s performance drew praise from unexpected quarters. Former Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Omobayo, who was present in court, was so impressed that he personally commended the witness during a court recess, patting him on the back for his courage and clarity.
However, the mood was far from celebratory for the APC camp. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a prominent APC leader and former governor of Edo State, who attended the tribunal for the first time, stormed out of the courtroom in visible anger following the witness’s damning testimony. Oshiomhole’s abrupt exit, alongside other APC chieftains, signaled the party’s growing unease as the PDP continues to build its case.
The PDP has vowed to present more witnesses in the coming days to further substantiate its claims of electoral malpractice. The tribunal, sitting in Abuja, has adjourned temporarily but is expected to resume soon, with all eyes on the unfolding legal battle that could determine the fate of Edo State’s governorship.