More Witnesses Testify to Violence During Ogun Governorship Election at Tribunal
A total of six witnesses who appeared before the Ogun governorship election petition tribunal on Thursday, corroborated claims of violent disruptions during the 18th March poll. Ladi Adebutu, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is contesting the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election, as reported by Apples Bite Magazine.
Among the witnesses was 77-year-old Adeniyi Ijaola, who testified at the tribunal in Abeokuta. He stated that violence and incidents of over-voting marred the election process in their respective polling units. Mr. Adebutu had previously presented 35 witnesses to support his allegations of electoral malpractice and non-compliance with electoral laws during the poll.
During Thursday’s session, Mr. Ijaola, after being called by petitioner’s counsel Goddy Uche, narrated how violence disrupted the election process at Ward 8, Polling Unit 7 in Sagamu Local Government Area. He revealed, “Election at my polling unit started but was cancelled when voting was disrupted. To our surprise, three people came on a motorcycle with guns and chased voters away. The ballot papers were burnt. After running away, we came back and saw the burnt ballot papers. No result was declared in the polling unit due to the disruption.”
Another witness, Ayalekhue Wesley, an employee of a micro-finance bank, accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of overlooking incidents of over-voting at his polling unit, as stated in his written statement on oath.
More Witnesses Testify to Violence During Ogun Governorship Election at Tribunal
The remaining witnesses, Adedoyin Kehinde, Rukayat Adenike, Makanjuola Samson, and Popoola Adekunle, also testified, providing further accounts of violence and irregularities during the election.
Ms. Rukayat, from polling unit 0011 in Sabo, Sagamu Local Government Area, faced accusations of voting at a different polling unit from the one indicated on her permanent voter’s card. In response, she clarified that she had been transferred by INEC to the new polling unit.
Mrs. Kehinde, another witness, alleged that thugs set ablaze the ballot boxes and papers in her polling unit.
During the tribunal proceedings, Remi Olatubora, counsel for INEC, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing process. He stated, “They have called 40 witnesses now. We hope to take on more of these witnesses, even though they are basically saying the same thing, identical statements, but we will take them as they come. I am satisfied as counsel to INEC. INEC is like a neutral party in this litigation, but we are also primarily a defendant because the petitioners sued other respondents and INEC jointly and severally, so we have to defend the petition as a respondent.”
The tribunal continues to hear testimonies regarding the alleged irregularities and disruptions during the Ogun governorship election, as the petitioners seek to challenge the outcome and ensure a fair resolution.
Seunmanuel Faleye is a brand and communications strategist. He is a covert writer and an overt creative head. He publishes Apple’s Bite International Magazine.
