As the Ogun state Governorship tribunal continued it’s sitting at the Magistrate Court, Abeokuta, south west Nigeria, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has called more witnesses to testify against the election victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress, (APC).
The PDP and it’s Governorship candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu in the petition marked EPT/OG/GOV/03/2023 are challenging the victory of Abiodun based on alleged non-compliance with Electoral Act and corrupt practices during the March 18 governorship election in the State.
The witnesses told the tribunal that violence and thugs invasion were recorded at their polling units, distrupting voting and counting of votes on the day.
At the resumed hearing, the lawyer to the petitioners, Gordy Uche (SAN), informed the tribunal that he would call 65 more witnesses who were voters, party agents and members of the opposition party.
During the proceedings, the witnesses were cross-examined by the Counsel, representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Remi Olatubora (SAN), Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), Titilola Akinlawon (SAN) both for Abiodun who appeared for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
One of the witnesses, Tunwase, a clergyman, during cross-examination, told the court that he would not allow the respondents counsels to twist his words, insisting that election at his polling units were cancelled due to violence.
“I am here to say what happened in my polling units, please don’t pollute my statement”, he said
Other witnesses crossed examined includes a cloth seller, Kushimo Olamide and a photographer, Thomas Biodun from Ogun Waterside, Ado-Odo Ota and Abeokuta North local councils of the State.
Meanwhile, speaking with newsmen after the sitting, the INEC counsel, Remi Olatubora (SAN) noted that the commission having been served as defendant, is in court to defend it’s decision to return Dapo Abiodun as governor, just as the tribunal however adjourned sitting till Tuesday, for continuation of proceedings.
Olusola Akintonde
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