Kaduna tribunal: INEC closes case without witness as Gov. Sani seeks extension

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 1st respondent at the Kaduna State governorship election petition tribunal has closed its case against the petitioners; Isa Ashiru and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) without presenting any witnesses at the resumed hearing of a petition marked EPT/KD/Gov/4/23.
Through its Counsel, Abdullahi M. Aliyu (SAN) on Wednesday, INEC presented before the tribunal documents titled: ‘ manual for election officials 2023, Regulations guidelines for conducts of elections 2022, and receipt payment for certification.
The said documents were all admitted by the tribunal as exhibits, as the Commission said it has no witness against the petitioners.
Meanwhile, at the close of the 1st respondent’s (INEC) defence, it was expected of the 2nd respondent to open his case as ordered by the tribunal at the last sitting.
However, during the court proceedings, Duro Adeyele (SAN) who is the counsel to the 2nd respondent, Gov. Uba Sani told Justice Victor Oviawe’s led panel that he is not ready for the opening of his case, adding that his star witness was not available.
“My star witness is out of town. He is a student in Nasarawa, and he is writing an examination.
“I have 30 witnesses, but I may not call all of them,” the 2nd respondent’s counsel told the tribunal.
Gov. Uba Sani’s Counsel sought the permission of the tribunal to allow him till Friday to present his witness before the three-man panel, being the last day allotted to the 2nd respondent to close his case.
The case was adjourned to Friday, 11th August 2023, for the continuation of examination in chief and cross examination of witnesses.