Enabulele’s witnesses face cross-examination As Edo tribunal opens
The tribunal today was all about Accord’s witnesses, and its 2024 Edo governorship candidate, as Dr. Bright Enabulele, strengthened his petition against Governor Monday Okpebholo and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), showing no signs of backing down.
Presided over by Justice Wilfred Kachi, the tribunal continued hearing case EPT/ED/GOV/02/2024, in which Dr. Enabulele and the Accord Party are challenging the results of the election that declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner.
Despite intense cross-examination, the testimonies from the Accord Party’s witnesses remained consistent, with no contradictions or discrepancies emerging.
This strong showing from the petitioners is seen as a key element of their case as they argue that the true and legitimate winner of the election should occupy the seat, regardless of the claims by APC or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
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Speaking to the press following the day’s proceedings, Pascal Adinya, Esq., the lead counsel for Dr. Enabulele and the Accord Party, emphasised the larger goal of the petition.
“Dr. Enabulele and the Accord Party are not simply challenging the results to secure a political victory for themselves, but to restore the people’s confidence in the electoral system in Nigeria,” Adinya stated. “We are here to ensure that the rightful winner of the election retains the seat, as the integrity of the democratic process must be upheld. One man, one vote.”
On his part, Dr. Enabulele said, “our petition is not to favour APC or PDP, but to make sure the integrity of our electoral system is respected for the future generations to come. If I fail, allow me to fail correctly, and if I win, allow me to win correctly.”
Meanwhile, the tribunal also granted an order allowing the petitioner, Dr. Enabulele of Accord Party to invite INEC officials to testify, a significant development in the case.
The move is expected to provide additional clarity on the election process, with INEC’s input potentially bolstering the petitioners’ claims on paragraph 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.1.4, 6.1.5, 6.1.6, 6.1.7, 6.1.8, 6.1.9, 6.1.10, 6.1.11, 6.2, 6.2.0, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6,2.4, 6.2.5, 6.2.6, 6.2.7, and 6.2.8, filed at the tribunal.
