The Edo tribunal proceedings aim to conclude within the set timeframe to ensure adherence to electoral dispute resolution timelines.
Benin City, Nigeria – The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have announced plans to call a total of 290 witnesses as they present their cases before the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The PDP’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, had filed a petition at the tribunal, challenging the declaration of APC’s Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the September 21, 2023, governorship election. Ighodalo is seeking the nullification of the APC candidate’s victory.
During Saturday’s tribunal sitting, the panel chairman, Justice Wilfred Kpochi, revealed that all parties had agreed to the witness schedule. The hearing has been adjourned to January 13, 2025, with the petitioners given 21 days to present their witnesses, while the respondents have been allotted 10 days each.
Justice Kpochi stated that the tribunal would sit daily from 10 a.m., excluding Sundays and public holidays recognized by law. He further disclosed the procedural framework for the examination of witnesses as outlined in the pre-hearing report.
Edo Tribunal Examination Timelines for Witnesses
According to the report:
- Star witnesses will have 40 minutes for examination-in-chief.
- Cross-examination by the petitioners will take 30 minutes.
- Respondents will have 20 minutes each for cross-examination.
- Re-examination of each star witness will be limited to 10 minutes.
- Ordinary witnesses will have 25 minutes for examination-in-chief.
Justice Kpochi emphasized that only witnesses with front-loaded sworn statements would be called, although subpoenaed witnesses could also be summoned where necessary.
Key Agreements
The parties also agreed on the use of interpreters for witnesses who may require translations between English and native languages such as Benin, Esan, and Auchi dialects. Additionally, there will be no consolidation of the petition with any other case, nor will amendments to the petition be permitted.
The Edo tribunal proceedings aim to conclude within the set timeframe to ensure adherence to electoral dispute resolution timelines.
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