The credibility of the Edo State governorship election took a significant hit at the Edo Governorship Election Petition Tribunal on Wednesday, as a key witness for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Afuda Theophilus, admitted during cross-examination that over-voting occurred in Esan North East Local Government Area, directly contradicting his earlier sworn statement.
Theophilus, who had been presented by the APC to defend the election’s integrity, had initially stated in his written witness statement that there were no instances of over-voting.
However, when shown the official polling unit results, he acknowledged that the number of votes cast surpassed the number of accredited voters.
“This shows there was over-voting?” Asue Ighodalo’s lead counsel, Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), asked.
“Yes,” Theophilus replied, before attempting to offer an explanation.
Read Also: Drama At Edo Election Tribunal As Okpebholo Abruptly Closes Case After First Witness Admits Over-Voting In Deputy Governor’s LGA
His testimony worsened when he was questioned about Form EC25B, the INEC-designated document for recording the serial numbers of sensitive election materials before voting.
Citing the INEC Manual for Election Officials, Owonikoko asked him to confirm that Form EC25B was the designated form for documenting the serial numbers of result sheets and ballot papers. Theophilus agreed.
However, when shown the actual Form EC25Bs used during the election, he was compelled to admit that they had not been completed—they lacked serial numbers, signatures, or any identifying information.
“There is no entry of serial numbers of result sheets or the BVAS machine. Can you confirm?” Owonikoko asked.
“I can’t find it…” Theophilus hesitantly responded.
When pressed further to confirm that the serial numbers were missing, he admitted, “Yes, they are not there.”
In response to the revelations, Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, speaking for the opposition, stated that the testimony highlighted significant irregularities in INEC’s management of the election, casting serious doubt on the credibility of the results.
“Our legal team has argued that failure to complete Form EC25B alone constitutes non-compliance with electoral guidelines, invalidating results from affected polling units. This is the law—it is not my opinion. It is a strict liability issue, and once again, we are grateful to the APC for sending us such honest witnesses,” he remarked.
With its own witness unintentionally bolstering the opposition’s argument, the APC’s defense is becoming more vulnerable. The tribunal’s decision regarding these revelations could have major implications for the result of the governorship election.
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