The Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Kogi issued a directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), compelling them to provide certified copies of electoral materials within 48 hours to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The tribunal also mandated INEC to permit SDP’s forensic experts to examine specific electoral materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result sheets for various Local Government Areas.
The ruling, delivered in Lokoja on Saturday, emphasized the tribunal’s recognition of time constraints in discharging its mandate. Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, the tribunal chairman, stated, “The order is in compliance with Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and with the Electoral Act (2022). INEC is hereby ordered to produce all the documents being sought by the plaintiffs within 48 hours to enable proceedings to go smoothly and without hitches.”
The SDP, in its petition against the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 11 off-cycle election, sought the materials to substantiate its case. The tribunal’s decision followed two ex-parte motions filed by the SDP and its governorship candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu-Ajaka, on Nov. 19.
Lead counsel to the petitioners, Mr. John Adele (SAN), expressed the urgency of the matter, stating, “Time is of essence in this matter, and that is why we filed the motions to your lordship to help to salvage the situation.” The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, Nov. 29, for the submission of the compliance report by INEC and the continuation of the hearing. The SDP and Yakubu-Ajaka are contesting the victory of APC and its candidate, Alhaji Usman Ododo, in the election petition tribunal.
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Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
