Edo poll: Inec fails to open defence, asks for adjournment

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday failed to call witnesses at the Edo State election petition tribunal in its defence in a petition filled by the PDP and its candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

The PDP and its candidate in the September 28 governorship election had filed a petition before the tribunal challenging the declaration of Mr Godwin Obaseki by INEC as winner of the election.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, INEC counsel, Mr Onyinye Anunonye, told the tribunal that he could not open his defence due to some challenges.

“The first is the scheduling of time of the senior counsel in the case for the first respondent which makes it impossible for any of them to be here today; and the second is the challenge of logistics which has made it impossible for any of our witnesses to be in court,” he said.

In his ruling, Justice Ahmed Badamasi, said taking into consideration that the first respondent had a 10-day period to present its defense, and since the days being sought for adjournment are within the allotted time, the application was granted.

He therefore adjourned sitting to Friday for INEC to open its defence.