A Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, on Monday, said they were hopeful that justice would be delivered by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Abuja.
Ifaluyi-Isibor spoke while speaking with newsmen in Abuja after the tribunal reserved judgment in the petition filed by Dr Asue Ighodalo and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the September 2024 Edo governorship election.
Ighodalo and PDP is praying the tribunal to void Okpebholo’s victory, citing irregularities and non-compliance with electoral laws.
Ifaluyi-Isibor, a former Commissioner for Digital Economy in Edo, expressed satisfaction with the proceedings at the tribunal, stating that the petitioners were confident in their case.
He said that the testimonies of witnesses aligned with the PDP’s claims, particularly concerning allegations of over-voting and incorrect collation of results in several polling units.
He reiterated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had failed to adhere to its own guidelines, a key contention in the petition.
“The petitioners are pleased with the proceedings of the court so far.
“Our counsel effectively demonstrated that testimonies given by witnesses were in consonance with our prayers,” he said.
He emphasised that the number of witnesses presented did not determine the strength of an election petition, citing Supreme Court precedents that placed greater weight on the substance of evidence rather than the volume of testimonies.
“We are contesting results in 756 polling units out of over 4,000 in the state.
“Our arguments before the tribunal were clear, and we believe that we have sufficiently substantiated our claims,” he said.
He said with judgment now awaited, the PDP remained hopeful that the tribunal’s ruling would be in their favour