ENUGU: INEC fails to produce witnesses in governorship Election Petition Tribunal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was unable to present any witnesses to defend the election that led to the victory of Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, according to reports from Daily Post. 

The Labour Party candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, who is challenging Mbah’s victory, concluded his case on Sunday.

The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu had scheduled Tuesday for INEC to present its defense. However, the case was adjourned at the request of INEC, as the commission failed to produce any witnesses.

When the tribunal resumed proceedings on Wednesday, INEC once again could not produce any witnesses. 

INEC’s legal team, led by Humphrey Okoli, informed the court that the commission had decided not to bring any witnesses.

Okoli stated, “The first respondent (INEC) is mandated to open the case. My Lord, after a thorough review of the case, we have decided not to bring in any witness.”

The counsel for the PDP, Benjamin Nwosu, and the counsel for Peter Mbah did not oppose INEC’s decision. 

However, the PDP expressed its intention to present witnesses to defend the outcome of the disputed governorship poll, requesting an extension of time to bring their witnesses.

Nwosu, representing the PDP, requested a two-hour adjournment to allow the party to prepare its defense. He explained that the PDP had four days to present its case and intended to call up to nine witnesses.

“We are inclined to open our case today. However, we will need two hours to present our witnesses,” Nwosu stated.

Edeoga’s legal team, led by Adegboyega Awomolo, did not oppose the adjournment request.

Consequently, the tribunal granted the request for a two-hour adjournment, allowing the PDP to produce its first witness by 11 am on Wednesday. The case will resume at that time to proceed with the presentation of witnesses by the PDP.