CURRENT REPORT BLOG: In the ongoing legal battle over the outcome of the March 18, 2023, governorship election in Abia State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has concluded its case by challenging the victory of Mr. Alex Otti as the winner of the election.
During the recent court session held on Friday, August 18, 2023, an intriguing twist emerged as Mr. Samuel Oduntan, a statistician and digital examiner, appeared as a subpoenaed witness for the PDP. Oduntan’s testimony provided a significant challenge to the election results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Despite the alleged lack of access to crucial BVAS data used during the election, Oduntan employed forms EC8E and EC8A to analyze the votes garnered by both the PDP and the Labour Party. His analysis led him to conclude that the PDP received 169,707 votes, while the Labour Party secured 169,519 votes in Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA).
This sharply contrasts with INEC’s initial announcement, which stated that the PDP had secured 88,529 votes, and the Labour Party had garnered 175,467 votes.
Under cross-examination, Oduntan presented compelling statistics, revealing that Abia State consists of 4,062 polling units and 184 Registration Areas (Wards) distributed across 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Governor Alex Otti’s Lead Counsel, A.J. Owonikoko, questioned the credibility of Oduntan as a witness, asserting that he was brought into the proceedings by the PDP.
Likewise, the Lead Counsel for the Labour Party, Umeh Kalu, SAN, subjected Oduntan to cross-examination. Oduntan disclosed during the cross-examination that he had sought permission to inspect the BVAS machines and Voter’s Cards used in the elections but had been denied access.
The proceedings have been adjourned to August 23, 24, and 25, during which the respondents will present their defense. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly influence the political landscape in Abia State. Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing legal battle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGaNIvlT20g
