Edo deputy governor dismisses PDP’s over-voting claims at tribunal

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa has dismissed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s petition on alleged over-voting in the recent governorship election.

Speaking after the tribunal session, Idahosa said PDP filed petitions without verifying facts, noting that results from areas affected by over-voting were already cancelled, making the claims baseless.

“In Unit 4, Ward 7, Usen, the results were cancelled due to over-voting, as required by law. Yet, PDP petitioned against these results without knowing they were never included in the final tally,” he said.

He pointed out that an All Progressives Congress (APC) witness confirmed in court that cancelled results were not computed. “Why would PDP challenge results that do not exist? It shows they do not understand the process,” he added.

Idahosa cited the Electoral Act 2020 (as amended), which mandates automatic result cancellation for over-voting, eliminating the need for further disputes.

“The onus is on PDP to prove their case, but their witnesses have contradicted themselves in court. Our legal team may not even need to call any witness,” he said, accusing PDP of turning the tribunal into a media campaign rather than focusing on legal facts.

He said the PDP’s case lacks merit and expressed confidence in the judiciary to uphold the law.