The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented electoral documents on Monday in response to the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, challenging the election victory of Gov. Usman Ododo.
Represented by counsel Uchenna Njoku, the documents were submitted before the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, with INEC’s regulations, guidelines, manuals, and various forms among the items tendered.
Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, leading the three-member panel, admitted the documents as exhibits and scheduled the next hearing for April 16, granting an adjournment to allow INEC to present its witnesses.
Earlier, Justice Birnin-Kudu addressed the timeline concerns, amending the schedule to give the respondents five days instead of ten to present their case, with a possibility of extension if needed.
While APC’s counsel, Emmanuel Ukala, requested maintaining the original schedule, the panel clarified that the amendment was made off record.
Governor Ododo’s legal team, led by Joseph Daudu, SAN, and Murtala Ajaka’s team, led by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, had previously closed their case on April 5 after presenting 25 witnesses.
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