INEC Concludes Case Without Witnesses at Kaduna Tribunal as Gov. Sani Requests Time Extension
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has closed its case at the Kaduna State governorship election petition tribunal without presenting any witnesses. The petition, marked EPT/KD/Gov/4/23, was filed by Isa Ashiru and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
INEC’s Counsel, Abdullahi M. Aliyu (SAN), presented documents titled ‘Manual for Election Officials 2023,’ ‘Regulations Guidelines for Conducts of Elections 2022,’ and ‘Receipt Payment for Certification’ before the tribunal. The documents were admitted as exhibits, and INEC stated that it has no witnesses against the petitioners.
Following the conclusion of INEC’s defense, it was expected that the 2nd respondent, Governor Uba Sani, would open his case as ordered by the tribunal in the previous sitting. However, during the court proceedings, Duro Adeyele (SAN), counsel to Governor Sani, informed the panel led by Justice Victor Oviawe that he was not ready to start his case. He explained that his star witness, who is a student in Nasarawa, was unavailable due to exams.
“I have 30 witnesses, but I may not call all of them,” said Adeyele, expressing his intention to call only select witnesses.