The Kaduna State Election Tribunal has admitted all exhibits tendered by the gubernatorial candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Hon. Isa Ashiru.
The 3-man panel of the Tribunal headed by Justice Victor Oviawie admitted the INEC Form EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D, EC8E and EC40G series from various polling units and Local Government Areas of the state as exhibits, being tendered by the 1st and 2nd petitioners’ lead cousel, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) in Kaduna.
While presenting the exhibits to the court, one of the counsels to the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Ayodele Adewole (SAN), also submitted voters registers’ sheets for 40 polling units with reference to Kaduna South Local Government as parts of the exhibits.
The PDP counsel also submitted exhibits from Giwa, Chickun, Igabi, Kachia, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Kagarko, Kubau, Kudan, Lere, Sabon-Gari and Zaria respectively.
Earlier, the counsel to the 1st (INEC), 2nd (Uba Sani) and 3rd (APC) respondents argued that the petitioner’s counsel had breached the court order, which instructed that all parties (counsels) should meet for the up taking of the exhibits before the presentation.
In his argument, the counsel to the 3rd respondent, Muh’d Sani Katu, who sought for adjournment of the case, explained that the order of the court was that all counsels should meet for sorting and marking of the exhibits for orderliness.
“We can not proceed as it stands, this is because the order is not being complied with,” the counsel argued.
In his defence, the lead counsel to both the PDP and Ashiru, Oluwole Iyamu (SAN) objected, explained that they (the counsels to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respondents) were given the opportunity for sorting, marking and to study the said exhibits before today’s sitting but failed to show-up as ordered by the court.
“The court registrar can attest to the fact that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents counsels were given the opportunity, and several efforts were made for them to come for the sorting and marking of the exhibits but, they declined,” PDP lead counsel explained.
Upon considering the submissions of the counsels, the court ruled that all exhibits be submitted to the court by the petitioner’s counsel.
Also, Iyamu (SAN) explained to the court that more documents were expected from the INEC, which according to him, are part of exhibits to be tendered.
The case has been adjourned till 10th July, 2023 for the continuation of the presentation of exhibits by the petitioners’ counsel.
N.O
