From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State Senatorial tribunal sitting in Minna has dismissed application of the the People’s Democratic Party and its candidate, Shehu Mohammed Abdullahi in favour of the INEC, Niger North Senator- elect and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The chairman of the tribunal, Justice Angela Ataluka in her ruling said the petitioner’s application to call for additional ninety seven witnesses aside earlier eight witnesses in prove of the case is dismissed for lack of competence.
She explained that the application was filed outside twenty one days limit for the filing of election petition and to allow same will be contrary to the twenty one days limit provided by the constitution and the electoral act 2022 as amended.
The INEC leading Counsel, Tunde Babalola (SAN), Counsel to the Niger North senator elect Abubakar Sani Bello, M.S Ibrahim (SAN) and the APC Counsel C.P Ocheja who are the first, second and third respondents vehemently opposed to the application to call for additional ninety seven witnesses.
Justice Ataluka after carefully listening to both defendants and petitioners’ argument dismissed the application accordingly.
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