The Peoples Democratic Party in Akwa Ibom State, on Monday rounded off its defence at the ongoing governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja.
Lead counsel to the party and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Tayo Oyetibo, told the court the PDP was glad to bring its defence to an end.
Mr. Oyetibo, therefore, thanked the judges for their calm disposition, patience and meticulous way they directed the proceedings of the tribunal.
Mr. Oyetibo, however, noted that the document brought before the tribunal by the subpoenaed official of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, would be tendered at the appropriate time.
Following the closing of its defence by the PDP, INEC which, is the third respondent, was invited to open its defence.
But counsel to the commission, Tobechukwu Nweke, pledged to open their defence on Tuesday.
Addressing journalists shortly after the tribunal adjourned for the day, Mr. Oyetibo said a total of 23 witnesses were called by both the first and second respondents.
The state Governor, Udom Emmanuel, the first respondent, while the PDP is the second respondent.
According to him, all the witnesses clearly testified that election held in the state on April 11.
“We are satisfied that going by the quality of witnesses on record so far, we do not need to call any more witnesses,” Mr. Oyetibo said.
“It is actually not the number of witnesses that you call that sustains a case but the quality of evidence. And having assessed the quality of evidence established so far, we have decided to close our case today.”
A member of the All Progressives Congress’ legal team, Leo Ekpenyong, confirmed that the PDP had closed its defence.
Mr. Ekpeyong, however, insisted that the INEC witness called by the PDP failed to be admitted by the tribunal on grounds that no formal application was made regarding his appearance.
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