The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, on Monday called more witnesses to testify against Governor Dapo Abiodun of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the election petition tribunal.
At the close of sitting on Monday, the petitioners had called 56 witnesses in all, six of whom appeared in court today.
The six witnesses cross-examined on Monday were a 67-year-old pastor, Olorunwa Tunwase; a clothes seller, Kushimo Olamide; a trader, Asimolowo Abike; Balogun Muhammed; Mulikat Akorede; and photographer Thomas Abiodun.
The petitioners were from Ogun Waterside, Ado-Odo/Ota, and Abeokuta North local government areas of the state.
Media Talk Africa recalls that Adebutu and PDP had, in the petition marked EPT/OG/GOV/03/2023, challenged the victory of Abiodun over alleged non-compliance with the electoral act during the March 18 governorship polls in Ogun State.
While being cross-examined, the witnesses told the tribunal that thugs invaded their polling units, disrupting voting and the counting of votes on the day.
At the resumed hearing, the lawyer for the petitioners, Gordy Uche, informed the tribunal that he would call 65 more witnesses who were voters, party agents, and members of the opposition party.
During the proceedings, the witnesses were cross-examined by the counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Remi Olatubora (SAN), Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), who appeared for Abiodun, and Afolabi Fashanu (SAN), who represented APC.
In his evidence, Tunwase, the clergyman, told the court that he would not allow the respondents’ counsels to twist his words, insisting that elections at his polling units were cancelled due to violence.
“I am here to say what happened in my polling units; please don’t pollute my statement. Elections were cancelled in my polling units due to violence,” he insisted.
The petitioners’ counsel informed the tribunal that more witnesses would be called on Tuesday.
The Hamidu Kunaza-led tribunal has since adjourned until July 18.
