The Kogi State Off-cycle Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow Muritala Ajaka of the SDP access to materials and all other documents used in the conduct of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the State.
The tribunal which began sitting in Lokoja on Saturday gave the order while ruling in an application brought by Counsel to Muritala Ajaka, the governorship candidate of SDP in the election.
Counsel to Ajaka and SDP, S.E Aruwa SAN had told the tribunal about his to access documents , mainly 42 items used in the conduct of the election which he said he needed to proceed with his case.
According to Aruwa, all efforts to access the documents both at INEC office in Abuja and Lokoja proved abortive , hence the request for an order of the tribunal.
The Presiding Tribunal Judge, Justice Yusuf Ado Birnin-Kudu in his ruling said the application is meritorious in accordance with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as ammended and the Electoral Law 2023.
He granted the application that the first Respondent INEC allow access by Counsels to Muritala Ajaka of the SDP led by John Adele, SAN, and S.E. Aruwa, SAN, to certified copies used for the governorship election within two days.
Also, the chairman of the Tribunal granted the prayers of John Adele SAN, to the effect of compelling INEC to also within 48 hours granted access to BVAS and other electronic materials used.
Speaking after the ruling, lead Counsel to Muritala Ajaka and SDP, John Adele, SAN expressed optimism that INEC will comply with the ruling of the Tribunal.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
