The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, based in Abuja, recently made headlines as it adjourned its hearing until April 1st. The three-member panel, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, took this decision after hearing from six witnesses of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and cross-examining them.
Surprisingly, the witnesses’ testimonies contradicted their sworn depositions, revealing that they were voters and not polling agents as initially claimed. One witness, Yakubu Dahiru, admitted to suffering from an eye problem for a year, yet insisted on writing his witness deposition.
Another witness, Isah AbdulGaniu, disclosed that he was a fashion designer and not affiliated with the SDP or a polling agent, casting doubt on the accuracy of his statements. Some witnesses even confessed to dictating their statements to their lawyers and cramming them before appearing in court.
Despite the petitioners’ names, petition number, and lawyers’ details being on record, some witnesses claimed ignorance of these crucial details. The testimonies of the six witnesses were eerily similar yet contradictory, raising questions about their credibility.
Following the conclusion of the 6th witness’s testimony, the petitioners’ lawyer, Pius Akubo, SAN, requested an adjournment, leading to the tribunal setting the next hearing for April 1st. Notable legal representatives at the tribunal included Kanu Agabi, SAN, for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Alex Iziyon for Governor Usman Ododo, and Abdulwahab Muhammed, SAN, for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The witnesses from Okene Local Government Area, including Isa Abdulganiyu, Aliyu Musari Abdul, Ohieku Rebeka, Abdulsalam Baki, Yakubu Dahiru, and Ibrahim Majeed, played a pivotal role in the proceedings, shedding light on the complexities of the case.
As the tribunal delves deeper into the matter, the conflicting testimonies and questionable credibility of the witnesses add a layer of intrigue to the legal proceedings. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding story.
