The document was requested by the tribunal, which is located in Abeokuta, the state capital, after a challenge was raised by Ladi Adebutu, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, regarding Governor Dapo Abiodun’s March 18 election victory. Adebutu stated that he had contacted WAEC to verify the certificate but had not received any response.
During the tribunal hearing on Thursday, an official from WAEC, named Olufemi Olaleye, appeared but did not have the disputed certificate with him. Olaleye was unable to confirm whether Governor Abiodun had taken the examination.
However, Olaleye did provide a copy of the subpoena issued to WAEC and explained to the tribunal that the council does not retain duplicates of collected certificates. To verify whether someone has taken an examination, the original certificate needs to be sent to WAEC for verification.