In the ongoing proceedings at the election petition tribunal, Ladi Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, presented additional witnesses on Monday to testify against Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
At the end of Monday’s session, the petitioners had called a total of 56 witnesses, with six of them appearing in court that day. The witnesses who underwent cross-examination were Olorunwa Tunwase, a 67-year-old pastor; Kushimo Olamide, a clothes seller; Asimolowo Abike, a trader; Balogun Muhammed; Mulikat Akorede; and photographer Thomas Abiodun. These witnesses represented various local government areas in Ogun Waterside, Ado-Odo/Ota, and Abeokuta North.
It should be noted that Ladi Adebutu and the PDP had filed a petition marked EPT/OG/GOV/03/2023, challenging Governor Abiodun’s victory in the March 18 governorship polls in Ogun State, citing alleged non-compliance with the electoral act.
During the cross-examination, the witnesses revealed to the tribunal that their polling units were disrupted by thugs, resulting in the disruption of voting and the counting of votes on the election day.
The petitioners’ lawyer, Gordy Uche, informed the tribunal that they intended to call 65 more witnesses, including voters, party agents, and members of the opposition party.
Throughout the proceedings, the witnesses were cross-examined by counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Remi Olatubora (SAN); Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared for Governor Abiodun; and Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), who represented the APC.
In his testimony, Pastor Tunwase emphasized that he would not allow the respondents’ counsels to manipulate his words, asserting that elections at his polling units were canceled due to violence. He insisted on presenting an accurate account of what occurred.
The petitioners’ counsel informed the tribunal that more witnesses would be called on Tuesday, and the proceedings adjourned until July 18 under the leadership of Hamidu Kunaza, the tribunal’s presiding judge.
