Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-04-15 14:57:29
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented electoral documents against the petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo. The counsel for INEC, Uchenna Njoku, tendered the documents before the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. The Kogi governorship election took place on Nov. 11, 2023.
The SDP and its governorship candidate are contesting the declaration of Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the election. INEC, Ododo, and APC are listed as the 1st to 3rd respondents in the petition. The documents presented by INEC included INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election, INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers, INEC Form EC8C, INEC Form EC8B, INEC Form EC8E, List of Accredited Agents for SDP, List of Accredited Ward Agents, and Receipts of Payment for Forms, among others.
Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, leading a three-member panel of justices, admitted the documents as evidence and marked them as exhibits. INEC requested an adjournment to present its witnesses on the next hearing date, which was granted by the judge. The matter was adjourned until April 16 for the continuation of the hearing.
Justice Birnin-Kudu noted that the SDP’s petition deadline was May 29 and amended the schedule for the 2nd and 3rd respondents to present their case and file final written addresses, reducing the time from 10 days to five. The panel assured that additional time would be given if necessary, emphasizing the need for cooperation from all parties.
APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, requested that the original timeframe for preparing the defense not be reduced. He assured the tribunal of the respondents’ cooperation in expediting their case but asked that the schedule for hearings remain unchanged. The panel clarified that the amendment to the order was made off the record.
Governor Ododo’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and Ajaka’s team, led by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, played key roles in the proceedings. SDP and Ajaka concluded their case on April 5 after presenting 25 witnesses.
The developments in the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal underscore the importance of a fair and transparent electoral process in upholding democracy. The adherence to legal procedures and the cooperation of all parties are essential in resolving electoral disputes and ensuring the integrity of the electoral system. The tribunal’s commitment to a timely and efficient resolution of the case is crucial in upholding the rule of law and promoting trust in the democratic process.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
