PEPT:Witness Tells Court That Election At His Polling Unit Was Cancelled After APC Thugs Invaded It

The election held on March 18 and its aftermath have gained significant attention due to the involvement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu. They have presented numerous witnesses before the election petition tribunal to testify about the disruption of voting by political thugs, which they claim resulted in an unfair and compromised electoral process.

In their petition with the reference EPT/OG/GOV/03/2023, the PDP and Adebutu contest the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun, alleging non-compliance with the Electoral Act as the basis for their argument.

During the recent hearing on Tuesday, the petitioners called upon 10 witnesses, including voters, party agents, and party members, to support their case. Gordy Uche (SAN), the legal representative of Adebutu, had previously informed the tribunal that they intended to call over 100 witnesses to substantiate their claims against the respondents.

The witnesses who have testified thus far share a common account, stating that their polling units experienced the cancellation of elections and their votes were disregarded due to the disruptive actions of suspected thugs. These witness testimonies serve as the groundwork for the petitioners’ case.

Representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), O. Keshiro, and legal counsels Taiwo Osipitan (SAN) and Afolabi Fashanu (SAN) representing Governor Dapo Abiodun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) respectively, cross-examined the witnesses, challenging their claims and attempting to undermine their credibility.

One of the witnesses, Rabiu Adeniyi, recounted a distressing experience of political thugs intimidating and harassing voters at his polling unit, effectively depriving them of their right to vote. Adeniyi described the armed thugs forcefully entering the polling station, disrupting the election process, and resulting in the nullification of their votes.

Source: Daily Post paper

Similarly, Olusanya Yusuf Olatunji testified that suspected thugs invaded his polling unit, causing chaos, driving away voters, and making off with the ballot boxes. This disruption clearly violated the principles of democracy and suppressed voter participation.

The proceedings will continue, with the petitioners expected to call additional witnesses on Wednesday. As the case unfolds, it is hoped that a fair assessment of the evidence will be conducted, shedding light on the alleged irregularities and ultimately ensuring justice in the electoral process.

Jesusbabe (
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