In a pivotal development at the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, held in Lokoja, a significant ruling was delivered on Saturday. The tribunal, presided over by Justice Yusuf Ado Birnin-Kudu, granted the plea of Murtala Yakubu Ajaka’s counsel from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) regarding access to crucial election materials. This decision compels the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide access to documents utilized during the state’s gubernatorial election held on November 11.
The ruling followed a compelling application presented by S.E Aruwa SAN, citing difficulties in obtaining essential documents, particularly 42 items integral to proceeding with the case. Aruwa elaborated on the challenges faced in accessing these documents from both INEC’s offices in Abuja and Lokoja, necessitating a tribunal order to advance the case effectively.
Justice Yusuf Ado Birnin-Kudu, acknowledging the merits of the application in alignment with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Law of 2023, granted the request. The tribunal’s directive mandates INEC to provide certified copies of the documents used during the gubernatorial election within two days to counsel representing Murtala Ajaka of the SDP, led by John Adele, SAN, and S.E Aruwa SAN.
Additionally, the tribunal chairman acceded to John Adele SAN’s prayers, compelling INEC to grant access to BVAS and other electronic materials used in the election within 48 hours.
Following the tribunal’s ruling, John Adele SAN, the lead counsel representing Murtala Ajaka and the SDP, expressed confidence that INEC would comply with the tribunal’s directives.
This decision marks a crucial juncture in the ongoing legal process, signifying the tribunal’s commitment to transparency and ensuring access to essential documentation crucial in resolving the gubernatorial election dispute in Kogi State.