The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented electoral documents on Monday in response to a petition by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Governor Usman Ododo. The petition stems from the Kogi governorship election held on November 11, 2023.
INEC’s counsel, Uchenna Njoku, submitted the documents before the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja. The SDP and its candidate are contesting the victory of Ododo from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the election. INEC, Ododo, and APC are listed as the 1st to 3rd respondents in the petition.
Among the documents tendered were INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Election, INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers, and various forms and lists related to the election process. Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, leading the three-member panel of justices, admitted the documents as evidence and marked them as exhibits.
Following the submission of documents, Mr. Njoku requested an adjournment to allow INEC to present its witnesses on the next hearing date. The judge granted the adjournment until April 16 for further proceedings.
During the hearing, Justice Birnin-Kudu adjusted the timeline for the respondents to present their case and file final written addresses, reducing the days from 10 to five. The panel assured parties of additional time if needed and urged cooperation in the process.
APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, appealed for the original timeline to be maintained, emphasizing the need for adequate time to prepare their defense. The panel clarified that the adjustment was made off the record.
Governor Ododo’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and Murtala Ajaka’s team, led by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, have been actively involved in the proceedings. The SDP and Ajaka had previously concluded their case after presenting 25 witnesses.
Stay tuned for updates as the election petition tribunal continues its hearings.
