The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal was presented with testimony from a witness, Dayo Israel, who revealed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Ibijoke, had cast their votes using invalid voter cards during the March 18 governorship election.
Israel, who acted as an agent for the Labour Party, Unit 006, Ward 15, Lagos Island Local Government, provided this information in support of a petition filed by the Labour Party’s candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, who aimed to nullify Governor Sanwo-Olu’s victory.
According to Israel, the card reader indicated that both Sanwo-Olu and his wife possessed invalid cards.
However, they were still allowed to vote, which the witness considered a violation of the electoral process established by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
During cross-examination by INEC’s counsel, Charles Edosomwan, Israel alleged that he was physically assaulted by supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on election day.
He claimed to have identified them as APC supporters based on their language and stated that they threatened violence against voters who did not support the APC.
Israel recounted the incident, explaining that four individuals attacked him while votes were being cast. Despite the assault, he managed to escape, changed his clothes as a disguise, and returned to monitor the vote counting process.
The witness also highlighted instances of multiple voting at the polling unit and criticized the failure of INEC officials to address these irregularities.
The proceedings on this petition have been adjourned until July 3, when they will resume.