The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) suffered a significant setback at the Edo State Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Benin City on Thursday, as critical discrepancies in the evidence submitted by one of its witnesses, Mr. Igberase Mathias, were exposed during cross-examination.
Counsel to the 1st respondents discovered that documents presented by Mr. Igberase were not in existence at the time the case was filed, raising concerns over the credibility of the petitioner’s evidence. When questioned about the documents he endorsed, Mr. Igberase was unable to confirm their validity, prompting further scrutiny.
The cross-examination also revealed inconsistencies in Mr. Igberase’s claim of being the PDP Local Government Collation Agent for Esan North East. According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) records, a certain Mr. Enabisi George was listed as the collation agent. When asked to provide evidence of substitution, Mr. Igberase admitted he had none.
Earlier in the proceedings, delays arose as some scheduled witnesses failed to appear before the court. This led the petitioner’s counsel to reshuffle their witness lineup. Although the tribunal permitted the adjustment, the panel cautioned the petitioners against further disruptions.
The absence of key witnesses and inconsistencies in the evidence have heightened doubts about the PDP and its governorship candidate’s chances in the ongoing tribunal case.
