In a startling development at the Edo 2024 Governorship Election Tribunal in Abuja, a 61-year-old witness for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Muitaru Yusuf, may face significant legal consequences after being accused of lying under oath.
This incident unfolded during the tribunal’s proceedings on Friday, where Mr. Yusuf’s credibility was called into question during cross-examination by Barr. Ferdinand Orbih, counsel for Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo.
Mr. Yusuf initially testified that he based his statement, made on October 11, 2024, on screenshots of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) results. However, it was revealed that the PDP had only acquired certified true copies of these results on January 8, 2025, long after his claims were made.
This inconsistency indicated that Mr. Yusuf had provided false testimony, as the evidence he referenced did not exist at the time of his statement.
During the cross-examination, Barr. Orbih pointed out the discrepancies in Mr. Yusuf’s testimony. When questioned if he still stood by his initial statement,
Mr. Yusuf retracted his claim, admitting that he had merely relayed what the PDP instructed him to say.
Lying under oath in a court of law is a serious offense in Nigeria, punishable under Section 118 of the Criminal Code, which carries a potential prison sentence of 14 years. Perjury undermines the integrity of legal proceedings and threatens the authority of the judiciary.
As the tribunal weighs the implications of this revelation, the situation casts doubt on the credibility of the PDP’s entire petition and raises questions about the authenticity of the allegations made.
Political analysts are now pondering how many more such statements were constructed without basis, driven by the grievances of a few party leaders unwilling to accept the election results.
The PDP, led by its governorship candidate Asue Ighodaro, appears to be in a precarious position.
Facing accusations of desperation and attempts to manipulate the judicial process, they struggle to maintain their narrative amidst mounting evidence of potential misconduct.
Observers note that this development not only jeopardizes the credibility of the PDP’s claims but also poses a significant threat to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.
As the tribunal proceeds, the public remains attentive to developments, eager to see the repercussions for those who threaten the judicial system with falsehoods.
The tribunal continues its proceedings as the PDP attempts to navigate a challenging landscape in their quest to overturn the electoral victory that Senator Monday Okpebholo and the All Progressives Congress secured by a substantial margin with the support of Edo voters.
