Ogun tribunal fixes September 4 for final addresses

By Christiana Ekpa

Ogun State Governorship Election Petition tribunal on Wednesday fixed September 4 for parties to adopt their final addresses.
This followed the closure of cases by all parties involved in the petition filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ladi Adebutu.
Adebutu had dragged Governor Dapo Abiodun before the three-man tribunal alleging that the governor did not win the majority of votes cast during the March 18 governorship election.
Adebutu, in his petition said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did not comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act.
Adebutu closed his case after calling 94 witnesses and tendering thousands of documents as evidence at the tribunal.
The first respondent, INEC did not call any witness when it opened its case.
To defend his victory, Abiodun, who is the second respondent, opened his case last week and called six witnesses against Adebutu, until Tuesday when he closed his case.
Also on Wednesday, the ruling APC and third respondent opened and closed its case after calling four witnesses.
Among the witnesses who testified in support of the APC are, Yemi Adelani, the APC State Collation Agent; Ifede Ifetayo, collation agent for Ikenne LG and Sulaiman Ayobami, who was Sagamu LG agent.
The witnesses were led in evidence by the APC counsel, Tayo Oyetibo and cross-examined by Wole Olanipekun representing Abiodun; Gordy Uche, SAN, standing in for the petitioners; and Olumide Ogidan who represented INEC.
In closing APC’s case, Oyetibo said: “Having carefully examined the evidence tendered by the petitioners and the evidence adduced by the respondents, we are satisfied that we have covered the case.”
As a result, the Justice Hamidu Kunaza-led panel adjourned proceedings till Monday, September 4, 2023, for the parties to adopt their final written addresses.