The Kogi State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal, sitting in Lokoja, has been adjourned indefinitely pending the completion of an inspection of election materials requested by the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
News About Nigeria gathered that during Wednesday’s hearing, the SDP acknowledged the cooperation of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the inspection process but sought additional time.
The tribunal had previously directed INEC to provide certified copies of electoral materials, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result sheets for several local government areas, to the SDP within 48 hours.
Additionally, the tribunal ordered that the SDP’s forensic experts be allowed to examine these materials.
The materials include the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result sheets for Adavi, Okene, Okehi, Ogori-Magongo, Ajaokuta, Lokoja, Kogi and Bassa Local Government Areas.
The adjournment comes as part of the SDP’s efforts to gather evidence in its petition against the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11 off-cycle election.
The tribunal’s chairman, Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, issued the order for material inspection on Saturday in Lokoja.
Lead counsel for the petitioners, Mr. John Adele (SAN), explained to the court that while efforts to obtain certified copies from INEC had been largely successful, some challenges had caused delays, necessitating more time.
The SDP and its governorship candidate, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu-Ajaka, are challenging the victory of the APC and its candidate, Alhaji Usman Ododo.
Ododo secured victory in the election with 446,237 votes, while Yakubu-Ajaka garnered 259,052 votes.
The tribunal will resume upon completion of the material inspection.
