INEC Submits Electoral Documents In Kogi Election Tribunal As SDP Challenges Ododo’s Victory

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step in the ongoing legal battle over the Kogi State Governorship election results by submitting crucial electoral documents at the Kogi State Governorship Petition Tribunal in Abuja……READ ALSO Edo 2024: Deputy Governor Shaibu Absent From INEC List As Ighodalo, Akpata, Okpebholo, And Others Emerge As Contenders

This move comes as part of the response to the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, contesting the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Usman Ododo, who was declared the winner of the November 11, 2023, governorship poll.

Ajaka, who lost the election with 259,052 votes against Ododo’s 446,237, has alleged irregularities in the electoral process, prompting the legal challenge.

During the tribunal session, presided over by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu and his panel, INEC’s legal representative, Uchenna Njoku, presented a variety of items as evidence. These included INEC Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of the Election, INEC Manuals for Electoral Officers, as well as several forms used during the election such as INEC Form EC8C, INEC Form EC8B, and INEC Form EC8E. Additionally, documents like the List of Accredited Agents for SDP, List of Accredited Ward Agents, and Receipts of Payment for Forms were submitted.

Justice Birnin-Kudu officially admitted these documents as exhibits, marking a significant milestone in the tribunal’s proceedings.

Following the presentation of the documents, Njoku requested an adjournment to adequately prepare for the introduction of INEC’s witnesses, with the aim of further substantiating the commission’s defense against the allegations made by the SDP and Ajaka. The judge granted this request, scheduling the next hearing for April 16.

In a previous session, Justice Birnin-Kudu acknowledged the time constraints, with the deadline of May 29 approaching for the expiration of the SDP’s petition. Consequently, adjustments were made to the tribunal’s schedule, reducing the number of days allotted for the respondents to present their cases and file final written addresses from ten to five days.

The submission of these electoral documents by INEC underscores the gravity of the legal challenge and sets the stage for a thorough examination of the election process, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral system.

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