The Lagos State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, presided over by Justice Arum Ashom, was informed by a witness named Dayo Israel that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife Ibijoke were permitted to vote using invalid voter cards.

Dayo Isreal, the Labour Party agent, was called to appear in court as a witness in the petition to overturn Governor Sanwo-Olu’s election that was submitted by the party’s (LP) gubernatorial candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, for the election held on the of March 18.

Israel told the court after his introduction as a witness by the principal counsel for Rhodes-Vivour, Olumide Ayeni (SAN), that he worked as an agent for the Labour Party in Unit 006, Ward 15, Lagos Island Local Government during the election.

Sanwo-Olu and his wife were reportedly allowed to cast their votes despite the card reader indicating that their cards were invalid, which is against INEC’s electoral procedures, according to him.

During cross-examination by INEC’s legal representative, Charles Edosomwan, Israel claimed that on election day, APC supporters beat him up.

He asserted that he was able to identify them as APC members based on their language and that they threatened to assault voters who supported the opposition party.

He said that although he was designated as an agent, he was not a Labour Party member. The APC supporters , according to him added that they were going to beat up voters if they did not support APC.

Israel continued by saying that he was accosted by four people during the voting process but that he was able to get away, switched clothes, and then returned to keep an eye on the vote counting.

Israel also mentioned instances of repeated voting at the polling centre, stating that INEC officials did nothing when they saw the irregularities but were aware of them.

The hearing, however, has been adjourned to July 3, when proceedings will resume.