ELECTORAL JURISPRUDENCE ON EDO GUBERNATORIAL VERDICT BY THE TRIBUNAL – NOT AN OPINION BUT THE POSITION OF THE CURRENT LAW ON S137 OF THE ELECTORAL ACT 2022.- Monday Ubani SAN

In the recent Edo State governorship election petition, the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo, citing the petitioners’ failure to call competent witnesses to substantiate their claims of non-compliance with the Electoral Act. The tribunal noted that merely submitting documentary evidence without accompanying testimony amounted to “dumping” documents on the tribunal, which is insufficient to prove allegations of non-compliance.

Section 137 of the Electoral Act 2022 was designed to alleviate the burden on petitioners by allowing them to rely on original or certified true copies of documents that manifestly disclose non-compliance, without the necessity of calling oral evidence. However, judicial interpretations have varied regarding this provision. In the case of Oyetola v. INEC, the Court of Appeal held that the decision to require oral evidence rests with the judge and cannot be overridden by statutory provisions like Section 137. This position was upheld by the Supreme Court, effectively limiting the application of Section 137.

Given these precedents, the tribunal’s stance in the Edo governorship dispute aligns with higher court rulings, emphasizing that while Section 137 aims to simplify evidentiary requirements, the courts retain discretion to determine the necessity of oral testimony. Therefore, the tribunal’s approach does not contradict Section 137 but reflects the judiciary’s interpretation that documentary evidence alone may not suffice without corroborative oral evidence.
.
In the light of this position, if we as a country desires to solve the problem of discarding calling polling units’ agents in every units where there is an alleged irregularity by relying on documentary evidence to prove the Petitioner’s case, we may have to AMEND SECTION 137 OF THE ACT further to actualize the true intent of that Section. For now the Supreme Court’s decision of that Section binds every lower courts in the land including the same Supreme Court that made the said decision in the first place, unless the supreme court overrules itself subsequently.

My humble opinion.

Dr Ubani SAN

74 thoughts on “Edo Tribunal:The position of the current Law on Section 137 of Electoral Act 2022- Monday Ubani SAN

  1. Having read this I thought it was really enlightening.
    I appreciate you taking the time and energy to put this short article
    together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading
    and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!

  2. Suicide is a tragic phenomenon that touches many families worldwide.
    It is often linked to psychological struggles, such as depression, hopelessness, or addiction problems.
    People who contemplate suicide may feel isolated and believe there’s no solution.
    how-to-kill-yourself.com
    It is important to spread knowledge about this matter and support those in need.
    Mental health care can make a difference, and reaching out is a brave first step.
    If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help.
    You are not alone, and help is available.

  3. Wonderful post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject?
    I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a
    little bit more. Many thanks!

  4. This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post.
    Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  5. Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site.
    You have some really good posts and I think I would be a good
    asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d absolutely love
    to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine.

    Please blast me an email if interested. Kudos!

  6. Производство и поставка – болт Рј8С…25 производства Северсталь метиз ОСПАЗ со склада в г.Орел.
    Продажа болт гайки секретные оптом и в розницу по низким ценам.
    Полный каталог всей метизной продукции, описания, характеристики, ГОСТы и технические условия.
    Офоррление заказа и доставка в сжатые сроки. Возможна отгрузка железнодорожным транспортом. Цены производителя.

  7. Hello! I know this is somewhat off topic but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for this site?

    I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers
    and I’m looking at options for another platform. I would be fantastic if you could point me in the direction of a good platform.

  8. I simply could not depart your web site prior to suggesting that I actually
    enjoyed the usual info an individual supply on your guests?

    Is going to be again ceaselessly to check
    out new posts

  9. Howdy! I just would like to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you have right here on this post.

    I am coming back to your site for more soon.

  10. I am not sure where you’re getting your information,
    but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more.

    Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  11. I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading incredibly slow
    for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is
    it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later and see if the problem still
    exists.

  12. I do not know if it’s just me or if everyone else experiencing problems with your blog.
    It appears as if some of the written text in your posts are running off the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This may be a problem with my browser because I’ve had this happen before.
    Appreciate it

  13. I truly love your site.. Very nice colors & theme.
    Did you develop this web site yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to
    create my very own blog and would love to know where you
    got this from or exactly what the theme is named.
    Many thanks!

  14. Hello there, I found your website by way of Google at the same time as
    looking for a related topic, your website got here up, it seems good.
    I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
    Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is really informative.
    I am gonna be careful for brussels. I will be grateful in case you continue this in future.
    A lot of other people will likely be benefited out of your writing.
    Cheers!

  15. After exploring a handful of the articles on your website, I seriously appreciate your technique of
    blogging. I added it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future.
    Please check out my web site too and let me know how you
    feel.

  16. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website so i came to “return the favor”.I’m trying
    to find things to enhance my site!I suppose its ok to use
    a few of your ideas!!

  17. Hello, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog in Opera, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer,
    it has some overlapping. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, fantastic blog!

  18. You’re so awesome! I do not think I have read
    through anything like that before. So nice to find someone with some genuine thoughts on this issue.
    Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is required on the
    internet, someone with a bit of originality!

  19. What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you’re not actually much
    more smartly-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent.
    You already know therefore significantly relating to this matter, made me individually consider it from so many numerous angles.

    Its like women and men aren’t interested except it is one
    thing to do with Lady gaga! Your individual stuffs great.

    At all times take care of it up!

  20. I don’t even know how I stopped up here, however I thought this post was once good.

    I do not recognise who you are but definitely you’re going to
    a famous blogger should you are not already. Cheers!

  21. In the ever-evolving world of online gaming,
    platforms such as 918kiss, cmd368, evolution gaming, king855, kiss918, mega888, pragmatic play, pussy888, sa gaming, sbobet, sexy baccarat, spade gaming, wm casino, and bk8 casino stand
    out as innovators, charming enthusiasts across the globe.
    These sites provide a wide-ranging selection of options, catering
    to both inexperienced and skilled players with their varied preferences.
    Thanks to mobile technology, enjoying these exhilarating casino experiences has never been more straightforward, allowing users to enjoy their favorite gaming interests from the security of their homes or while
    on the move.

    The allure of slot machines and numerous other entertaining games lies in their ability
    to bring not only joy but also the promise for significant winnings.
    Bolstered by the talent and expertise of creators such as pragmatic play, evolution gaming, and spade gaming, these platforms ensure that gamers benefit
    from smooth, high-quality gameplay accompanied by eye-catching graphics and captivating sound
    effects.

    Moreover, the array of enticing bonuses and promotions featured on these
    platforms, including those offered by kiss918, mega888, and bk8 casino,
    significantly amplifies the gambling experience.
    From seductive deposit bonuses to free spins and loyalty rewards, these incentives provide players with increased gains to amplify their bankrolls.
    As competition heats up, these platforms continually adapt to create the best possible experience, ensuring players have access to an exciting
    range of games filled with endless potential to
    win big. With numerous choices at their reach, today’s gamblers are
    truly in an advantageous position, ready to launch on a thrilling
    journey through the fascinating world of 918kiss and its diverse
    offerings.

  22. Hi, I do think this is a great website. I stumbledupon it
    😉 I am going to revisit yet again since I saved as a favorite it.
    Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you be rich and continue
    to help others.

  23. Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite reason seemed
    to be on the web the simplest thing to be aware of.

    I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people think about worries
    that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top
    and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people could take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

  24. I got this website from my friend who told me on the topic of this website and at the moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative articles at this time.

  25. I blog quite often and I really appreciate your content. This great article has really peaked my interest.
    I will take a note of your website and keep checking for
    new details about once a week. I subscribed to your
    Feed as well.

  26. Howdy are using WordPress for your site platform?
    I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding knowledge to make your own blog?

    Any help would be really appreciated!

  27. I’m really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout
    on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?

    Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a
    great blog like this one today.

  28. Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but,
    I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing.
    Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  29. Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just
    your articles? I mean, what you say is important and
    all. However think about if you added some great visuals or videos to give your
    posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could definitely be one of the greatest in its field.
    Wonderful blog!

  30. An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who has been doing a little research
    on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for
    the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your web site.

  31. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I quite enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.

    I will remember to bookmark your blog and may come back later
    in life. I want to encourage you continue your great
    work, have a nice afternoon!

  32. I don’t even know how I finished up here, however
    I believed this submit was once great. I do not understand who
    you might be but certainly you are going to a famous blogger when you
    are not already. Cheers!

  33. Howdy! I understand this is sort of off-topic however I needed to ask.
    Does running a well-established blog like yours take a lot of
    work? I’m completely new to operating a blog however I
    do write in my diary on a daily basis. I’d like to start a blog so I
    will be able to share my experience and thoughts online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of recommendations or tips for new aspiring blog
    owners. Appreciate it!

  34. Thanks for one’s marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you can be
    a great author. I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back from now on. I want
    to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice afternoon!

  35. What’s up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could also make
    comment due to this sensible piece of writing.

  36. Hey! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any issues with hackers?

    My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended up losing a few
    months of hard work due to no data backup. Do you have any methods to stop hackers?

  37. obviously like your web-site but you have to test the spelling on several
    of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and
    I find it very troublesome to tell the reality however I’ll surely come back again.

  38. Spot on with this write-up, I honestly believe that this
    website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be returning to read more, thanks for the information!

  39. What i dont understood is in reality how youre now not really a lot more smartlyfavored than you might be now Youre very intelligent You understand therefore significantly in terms of this topic produced me personally believe it from a lot of numerous angles Its like women and men are not interested except it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga Your own stuffs outstanding Always care for it up

  40. Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was
    extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and
    say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog blogger
    but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any tips and
    hints for inexperienced blog writers? I’d really appreciate it.

  41. Simply desire to say your article is as astonishing. The clarity in your put up is simply
    excellent and that i could think you are knowledgeable on this subject.
    Well together with your permission let me to grasp your feed to
    keep updated with coming near near post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please continue the gratifying work.

  42. What i do not realize is actually how you’re now not actually a lot
    more well-favored than you may be right now.

    You are so intelligent. You realize thus
    considerably when it comes to this matter, produced me in my opinion consider it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like women and men aren’t involved unless it’s one thing
    to do with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs excellent.
    All the time care for it up!

  43. This design is spectacular! You most certainly know how to
    keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was
    almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Wonderful job.
    I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more
    than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  44. Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and
    wished to say that I’ve truly loved surfing around your
    weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing for your rss feed
    and I hope you write again very soon!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for a Lawyer? Find a Lawyer Dismiss