The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) failed to present witnesses as it closed its case in a petition brought against it by the All Progressive Congress (APC) at the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal.
NNPP lawyers, led by Barrister Tijjani Yahya, told the tribunal in the last submission of the party that they are done and are not presenting witnesses.
The petitioner, the All Progressives Congress (APC), is challenging INEC for declaring Abba Kabir-Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) the winner of the election that was conducted on March 18, 2023.
Respondents in the petition are INEC, Gov Abba Kabir-Yusuf and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
At the resumed sitting, counsel to NNPP, Tijjani Yahaya, informed the tribunal: “In view of the evidence by the sole witness of the second respondent, there is no need for us to present any witness. My Lord, we humbly apply for the case to be closed.”
Counsel to INEC, Emmanuel Osayomi, and counsel to Kabir-Yusuf, Eyitayo Fatigun SAN, did not object.
Counsel to the petitioner, Prof Sam Erugo, also did not object.
The petitioners closed their case with 32 witnesses before the tribunal, while INEC closed its case without calling a witness.
The three-man panel, led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, commended all parties for their good conduct and cooperation during the trial.
She ordered all parties to file their written addresses on Aug. 15, adding that there would be no extension of time.
Akintan-Osadebay adjourned the matter until Aug. 21 for the adoption of the final written address.
The petitioner is asking the tribunal to declare that NNPP has no candidate as Kabir-Yusuf’s name was not in their register of voters submitted to INEC at the time of the election.
