Tribunal: Sanwo-Olu, wife cast vote with invalid card reader – witness
Mr Dayo Israel, a Labour Party agent at the last Governorship Election in Lagos State, on Monday told Lagos State Election Petition Tribunal that Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife cast votes with invalid card readers.
Israel, LP’s agent for Unit 006, Ward 15, Lagos Island Local Government, Lagos State, also said that he was beaten by some thugs alleged to be from All Progressives Congress (APC) during the election.
Israel testified for LP at the tribunal.
He was led in evidence by Dr Olumide Ayeni (SAN), counsel to LP Candidate for the election, Mr Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who is also the petitioner.
“In relation to the petition, what I observed is that when Sanwo-Olu and his wife wanted to do their registration, the card reader showed invalid.
“However, the governor and his wife were allowed to cast their votes which is against INEC rules,” the witness said.
Israel, while being cross-examined by counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prince Eric Obigor, said that APC supporters who allegedly beat him did not wear a uniform.
He said that he knew that they were APC supporters from the way they spoke.
“When the thugs recognised me as an LP agent, they said that if people did not vote for APC, they would beat them.
“I do not know the number of eligible voters in Eyekole Unit. Sanwo-Olu and his wife had a total of two votes,” Israel said.
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The witness told the tribunal while being cross-examined by Dr Muiz Banire (SAN), council to Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, that he was beaten up by four men while the election was ongoing.
“I ran away the first time I was beaten and then disguised to monitor the counting. I did not report the beating at any police station.
“I sustained a minor injury but there was a nearby clinic where I was treated.
“I registered as a polling agent with INEC though I do not have the identification with me at the moment,” he said.
According to him, 126 people were accredited, and APC had 121 votes, LP, 2 and PDP, 1.
The witness, while being questioned by APC counsel, Mr Abiodun Owonikoko (SAN), reiterated that he was trained on what to do on the election day and that a total of 126 people were accredited and the total votes cast were 126.
The tribunal led by Justice Arum Ashom adjourned until July 3 for continuation of hearing. (NAN)
