In a turn of events at the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja, the much-anticipated proceedings were adjourned until April 1st, 2024.
The adjournment came following a session where six witnesses from the Social Democratic Party (SDP) presented conflicting testimonies, throwing the authenticity of their claims into question.
Led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, the three-member panel of justices encountered a series of revelations as witnesses took the stand.
The witnesses, purportedly representing the SDP, found themselves under intense scrutiny as they faced cross-examination by the defense counsel. Shockingly, discrepancies emerged between their sworn depositions and their oral testimonies in court.
Yakubu Dahiru, the 10th prosecution witness, attributed his inconsistencies to an eye ailment that had allegedly impaired his vision for over a year.
Despite this claim, Dahiru admitted to drafting his witness deposition, raising doubts about the veracity of his statements.
Similarly, Isah AbdulGaniu, hailing from Okene Local Government Area, disavowed any affiliation with the SDP or role as a polling agent, contrary to his initial assertions. His lack of familiarity with essential documentation further cast doubt on the integrity of his testimony.
As the proceedings unfolded, a pattern emerged where witnesses either denied elements of their depositions or attributed errors to misunderstandings. Some even confessed to relying on their lawyers to draft their statements, leading to further skepticism about their credibility.
The courtroom tension peaked when it was revealed that certain witnesses professed ignorance about the petitioners and their legal representatives, despite their names being prominently featured in the petitions.
In a bid to restore order, the petitioners’ lawyer, Pius Akubo, SAN, requested an adjournment, which the tribunal granted, scheduling the continuation of the hearing for April 1st.
Representatives from key parties, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Usman Ododo’s legal counsel, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), were present during the tumultuous session.
