The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented electoral documents during the Kogi governorship petition tribunal session in Abuja on Monday. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, are contesting the victory of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 election. Ododo secured 446,237 votes, defeating Ajaka who garnered 259,052 votes. The petitioners concluded their case on April 6 after calling 25 witnesses.
INEC initiated its case by submitting various documents to the three-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu. These documents, presented by INEC’s lawyer Uchenna Njoku, included regulations, guidelines, manuals for electoral officers, and various forms such as EC8C, EC8B, and EC8E. Over and above, lists of accredited agents for SDP and ward agents, as well as receipts of payment for forms, were tendered.
Following the submission of documents, Justice Birnin-Kudu admitted them as evidence and marked them as exhibits. Njoku then requested an adjournment to allow INEC to present its witnesses on the next scheduled date. The judge consequently adjourned the proceedings until April 16 for the continuation of the hearing.
Earlier, Justice Birnin-Kudu noted that the SDP’s petition would expire on May 29. In response, he shortened the duration for the respondents to present their cases and file final written addresses from 10 to five days.
