By: Ade Phillips
Six witnesses presented by the Social Democratic Party during the Election Petition Tribunal for the Kogi State Governorship election entertained the court with amusing and contradictory testimonies during cross-examination.
Contrary to their sworn depositions, they admitted to being voters rather than polling agents as required by law.
Notably, one witness claimed to have written his deposition despite suffering from a year-long eye problem.
Another witness, a fashion designer, denied membership in the SDP or being a polling agent, contradicting his deposition.
Some witnesses confessed to dictating statements to their lawyers and later cramming them before appearing in court.
Despite their petitions indicating petitioners’ names and lawyers’ details, some witnesses claimed ignorance of them. The testimonies, though similar, were visibly contradictory.
Following the sixth witness, the petitioners’ lawyer requested an adjournment, leading to the hearing being rescheduled for April 1, 2024. Representatives from INEC, Governor Usman Ododo, and APC were present.
The witnesses from Okene Local Government Area included Isa Abdulganiyu, Aliyu Musari Abdul, Ohieku Rebeka, Abdulsalam Baki, Yakubu Dahiru, and Ibrahim Majeed.
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