When the hearing on a petition with the file number EPT/KD/Gov/4/23 was resumed, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the first respondent at the Kaduna State governorship election petition tribunal, concluded its case against the petitioners, Isa Ashiru and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), without offering any witnesses.
On Wednesday, INEC provided the tribunal with documents labelled “manual for election officials 2023,” “regulations guidelines for conducts of elections 2022,” and “receipt payment for certification” through its attorney, Abdullahi M. Aliyu (SAN).
Since the Commission claimed to have no witnesses against the petitioners, the tribunal accepted all of the aforementioned documents as exhibits.
At the conclusion of the first respondent’s (INEC) defence, it was anticipated that the second respondent would commence his case as directed by the tribunal at the previous meeting.
However, during the court hearings, Duro Adeyele (SAN), who is the counsel for the second respondent, Governor Uba Sani, informed Justice Victor Oviawe’s led panel that he is not prepared for the beginning of his case and that his star witness was not available.
“My main witness is not in the area. He is a student in Nasarawa and is presently writing an exam.
The attorney for the second respondent informed the tribunal, “I have 30 witnesses, but I may not call all of them.”
As Friday was the last day given to the second respondent to conclude his case, Gov. Uba Sani’s attorney requested permission from the tribunal to give him till that day to submit his witness before the three-person panel.
The case was continued on Friday, August 11, 2023, with the witness cross-examination.
