APC calls 50 witnesses to testify at Anamba Governorship Tribunal

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has called 50 witnesses to testify the allegation of electoral malpractice during the Nov. 16, 17 and 30, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.
Chief Olarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), counsel to APC and the governorship candidate of the party, Sen. Chris Ngige announced this in Awka on Tuesday during proceedings at the Anambra Election Petitions Tribunal.
Akeredolu said that the figure was pruned down from 101 to enable speedy trial and determination of the petition.

At the resumed sitting, Akeredolu urged the Justice Ishaq Bello-led tribunal to allow him time to submit additional documents before calling witnesses.
They included forms EC8A results for Idemili South, Aguata and Awka North local council areas as well as list of ad hoc staff for Aguata council.
However, the tribunal refused to admit as evidence extracts from polling units 004, Eri primary school, Otuocha in Anambra East council area following
objections by counsel to Gov Willie Obiano and APGA.
Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) and Mr Osita Nnadi (SAN) objected to the request on grounds that it formed the central part of the dispute and that it ought to come in when a witness was being cross-examined.
They argued that the document related to the issue of multiple registrations which had already been struck out by the tribunal earlier.

According to Ikpeazu, It is not only inadmissible based on the state of the pleadings for now.
“ it is also equally a contested document which due process needs to be made.
“I urge that the document should not be admitted at this stage,” he said.
Meanwhile, APC’s first witness, Mr Uche Uzowulu, during cross-examination by Ikpeazu, Nnadi and counsel to INEC, Mr Ayotunde Ogunleye faulted the supplementary election of Nov. 17, 2013.
He said that the election witnessed low turn-out because it was slated for Sunday.
According to him, the election ought not to have been conducted on a Sunday in an area that is predominantly Christians.
“Such election cannot be held on a Friday in Kano. I could not vote on the said date due to obvious reason as a Christian.