The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) tendered electoral documents against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, on Monday at the Kogi State Governorship Petition Tribunal in Abuja.
Challenging INEC’s declaration of incumbent governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo, as the winner of the November 11, 2023, governorship election, the SDP and its candidate have contested the results.
Ododo emerged victorious in the election with 446,237 votes, defeating his closest rival, Ajaka of the SDP, who scored 259,052 votes.
Having closed their case on April 6, 2024, after calling 25 witnesses, the petitioners awaited INEC’s response.
During Monday’s proceedings, INEC initiated their case by submitting various documents before a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu.
Documents presented by INEC’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku, included the INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election, INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers, and several other forms and lists related to the election process.
Justice Birnin-Kudu admitted the documents into evidence and marked them as exhibits after their submission.
INEC’s counsel then requested an adjournment to allow the electoral body to present its witnesses on the next scheduled hearing date.
Consequently, the judge adjourned the matter until April 16 for the continuation of the hearing.
Earlier, Justice Birnin-Kudu noted that the SDP’s petition would expire on May 29, and consequently reduced the number of days for respondents to present their cases and file final written addresses from 10 to five days. However, he assured parties that if five days proved insufficient, the panel would consider granting additional time.
