Kogi Governorship Tribunal: SDP wraps up case as Ododo, APC prepare for defence on April 15
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State, alongside the All Progressives Congress (APC), is set to commence their defence on April 15th at the state’s governorship election tribunal in Abuja, following the closure of the case by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka.
The three-member tribunal, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, scheduled the commencement of Ododo and APC’s defence after the SDP and Ajaka, having initially presented 25 witnesses out of a purported 400, concluded their case.
Additionally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to present its defence with two witnesses in the ongoing matter.
The dispute arises from the challenge posed by the SDP and its gubernatorial candidate against Governor Ododo’s victory in the November 11, 2023 poll, with INEC, Ododo, and APC named as the 1st to 3rd respondents, respectively.
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During Friday’s proceedings, lawyers representing INEC, Ododo, and APC opposed the attempt by Jibrin Okutepa, SAN, to lead witness Edidiong Udoh, a Digital Forensic Expert, in evidence. They argued that the witness was not listed in the petitioners’ proof of evidence and that his statement was not submitted alongside the petition.
Despite objections, Okutepa insisted on leading Udoh in evidence, prompting a request for time to review the witness’ report by the respondents’ counsel.
Udoh, requesting an amendment to his statement, described himself as a digital forensic expert residing in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. However, objections were raised against the amendment, with the respondents’ counsel arguing against its permissibility.
Following Udoh’s testimony, attempts were made to tender his certificates as exhibits, which were initially contested due to the absence of original documents. However, the tribunal ultimately admitted the documents, with objections reserved for final written addresses.
The proceedings highlight the intricacies of the ongoing legal battle over the Kogi governorship election outcome, underscoring the significance of evidence presentation and procedural adherence in resolving electoral disputes.
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