Title: Witnesses Allege Result Manipulation in Toto LGA, Challenging Governor’s Victory
Two witnesses from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) testified before the Nasarawa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, claiming that the results in Toto Local Government Area were manipulated to favor Governor Abdullahi Sule. The witnesses, who were accompanied by their Permanent Voter Cards, agent cards, and party membership cards, presented their case at the hearing in Lafia.
The PDP candidate, Mr. David Ombugadu, and his party have filed a petition challenging the victory of Governor Sule from the All Progressives Congress (APC). During the hearing, the witnesses pointed out inconsistencies in the previously tendered exhibits, asserting that they did not accurately reflect the results from their polling units in Toto LGA.
However, the counsel for Governor Abdullahi Sule, the APC, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) objected to the presentation of these witnesses. They argued that the petitioners failed to serve them with a schedule of witness presentation as required by the Electoral Act. They further contended that the Electoral Act necessitated the prior submission of the witness schedule to prevent any party from being taken by surprise.
In response, the petitioners’ counsel, Mr. Samuel Jubril-Okutepa, argued that the pre-hearing report did not make the provision of a witness schedule mandatory. After considering the arguments from both sides, the tribunal dismissed the respondents’ objections, emphasizing that technicalities should not impede the progress of the proceedings.
Consequently, the Chairman of the three-member tribunal, Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, adjourned further hearing to Wednesday, August 16. The case will continue to be heard, providing an opportunity for all parties involved to present their evidence and arguments.
The ongoing election petition case has drawn attention to the allegations of result manipulation in Toto LGA, with the witnesses’ testimonies adding fuel to the controversy. Both the PDP and APC are striving to present their respective cases and seek a favorable outcome. As the trial progresses, it remains to be seen how the tribunal will weigh the evidence and make its decision.
