The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday closed its case in the petition filed by the Labour Party candidate in Enugu State, Mr. Chijioke Edeoga without calling any witness at the governorship election petition tribunal.
Edeoga is challenging the victory of Governor Peter Mbah in the March 18 election over alleged irregularities and forgery of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
When the matter came up for hearing, the INEC counsel, Mr. Humphrey Okoli told the tribunal that after thorough review of their case, the commission decided not to present any witness.
He said: “Today, the first respondent is mandatory to open their defence, I wish to inform the court that after a thorough review of the case, we have decided not to put in any witness.”
On his part, Mbah’s counsel, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, called the first defence witness, Uzo Amaechina, a medical doctor residing in Enugu to testify on the matter.
The witness, who was cross-examined by the LP counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), said the election was conducted in line with the provision of the law and the electoral guidelines.
The chairman of the three-member panel, Justice M.K Akano adjourned the matter till July 20 for continuation of the hearing.
