INEC Closes Case Against PDP, Ashiru As Gov Sani Seeks Extension Of Time

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its case against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate at the Kaduna State governorship election petition tribunal.

Naija News understands that the electoral commission is the 1st respondent at the tribunal in a petition marked EPT/KD/Gov/4/23.

At the resumption of hearing on Wednesday, the state electoral body, without presenting any witnesses, closed its case against the PDP and its governorship candidate in the last general election, Isa Ashiru. 

Through its Counsel, Abdullahi M. Aliyu (SAN), INEC today presented before the tribunal documents titled: ‘manual for election officials 2023, Regulations guidelines for conducts of elections 2022, and receipt payment for certification.

The said documents were all admitted by the tribunal as exhibits, as the Commission said it has no witness against the petitioners.

At the close of the 1st respondent’s (INEC) defence, it was expected of the 2nd respondent to open his case as ordered by the tribunal at the last sitting.

The hearing, however, took a different turn as Duro Adeyele (SAN), who is the counsel to the 2nd respondent, Gov. Uba Sani, told Justice Victor Oviawe’s led panel that he is not ready for the opening of his case, adding that his star witness was not available.

“My star witness is out of town. He is a student in Nasarawa, and he is writing an examination.

“I have 30 witnesses, but I may not call all of them,” the 2nd respondent’s counsel told the tribunal.

Meanwhile, All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Governor Uba Sani’s Counsel sought the permission of the tribunal to allow him till Friday to present his witness before the three-man panel, being the last day allotted to the 2nd respondent to close his case.

The case was adjourned to Friday, 11th August 2023, for the continuation of examination in chief and cross-examination of witnesses.