The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday formally closed its defence at the Rivers State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the witnesses brought by INEC were presiding officers and electoral officers from different polling units in different local government areas in the state.
INEC, who is the 1st respondent, closed its defence after producing a total of 16 witnesses from different local government areas of the state to testify.
NAN reports that the APC and its candidate, Mr Dakuku Peterside, the petitioners, had approached the
Justice Suleiman Ambursa led three-man panel seeking for the nullification of the election of Governor Nyesom Wike, the 2nd respondent.
The petitioners are also challenging the conduct of INEC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the 3rd respondent at the election.
The petitioners were seeking for the nullification on the ground that the election was marred by irregularities and fraudulent practices.
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the INEC, Mr Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN) told the tribunal chairman that INEC had exhausted its defence and therefore, it would be closing its defence. According to Ikpeazu, the witnesses presented by INEC and the documents tendered have proved that the elections were held peacefully in line with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
Ruling on the INEC application for the closure of its defence, the tribunal chairman adjourned sitting to Wednesday for Wike to open his defence.
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