On Tuesday, August 27, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is expected to close its defense at the Akwa Ibom Governorship Elections Petition Tribunal in the petition filed against its candidate’s victory in the last general election by the defeated candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Igbere TV reports.
Igbere TV reports that on Monday, PDP local government collation agent for Ukanafun, Mr. Magnus Michael Akpan, PDP Collation agent for Eket, Mr. Ekanem Willie, another collation agent of the party in Oron, Effiong Effiong Bassey and a voter, Mr. Augustine Akpan Essien from Eket, who are witnesses presented at the tribunal, all testified to the victory of the PDP Governorship candidate, Udom Emmanuel.
Igbere TV learnt that Mr. Magnus Akpan, the PDP Collation agent for Ukanafun, who counters claims by the APC in their petition, said the election was free, fair and peaceful in Ukanafun, adding that the end of the exercise, the PDP was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mr. Magnus Akpan said; “I witnessed the collation as a local government agent. The election was very peaceful, free and fair”.
J.S. Okutepa (SAN), the counsel to the petitioners, in his reaction to proceedings at the tribunal, said so far he was satisfied with the conducts at the tribunal, adding that he was hopeful that justice would be done at the end.
“I am impressed with the outcome of proceedings” Mr. Okutepa said.
Igbere TV further gathered that Tayo Oyetibo, (SAN), the counsel to PDP, who also addressed newsmen after court proceedings on Monday also said that he was satisfied with proceedings at the tribunal.
Mr. Tayo while addressing newsmen said; “The process went well. In a matter of this nature, you don’t have to call large witnesses when there is no need for it.
“The witnesses we’ve called today are sufficient for the purpose of meeting the case that was brought before the tribunal.
“So far, so good if you’ve been witnessing what’s going on at the tribunal, you’ll see that so far so good everything is going well.
“We are looking at tomorrow to come here and conclude out case. We will inform the tribunal on our decision, how far we’ve gone,”he added.
The lawyer advised politicians not to see elections as a do or die affair and urged those who lose out in the election to learn to accept defeat and congratulate the winner.
He harped on the need for the political class to always imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship during and after elections, saying there is always another opportunity for a loser to try his luck in another election.
Meanwhile, the tribunal has adjourned to Tuesday for continuation of defense by the PDP which is expected to be rounded off same day.
