The proceedings at the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja took a turn as it adjourned to Monday, 14th March 2024, following the recent judgment by the Court of Appeal in Abuja.
This judgment set aside the earlier inspection order that granted the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) governorship candidate, Muritala Ajaka, access to INEC devices.
During the day’s proceedings, Jibrin Okutepa, the Counsel representing Ajaka, moved to tender INEC devices. However, Kanu Agabi, the counsel for Governor Usman Ododo, drew attention to the Court of Appeal’s judgment and an accompanying affidavit.
Responding to this, Mr. Okutepa informed the tribunal that he has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court.
The Court of Appeal in Abuja, in its recent decision, nullified the inspection order for the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) granted to the SDP candidate by the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.
The appellate court emphasized that while inspection is permitted under the Electoral Act, it must be a joint effort with the respondent, and the scope should strictly adhere to the limits outlined in the Electoral Act.
On November 25, 2023, the tribunal had initially granted an ex parte order, allowing the SDP and its candidate to conduct a forensic examination of all BVAS used in the governorship election, along with various other reliefs.
However, the recent developments following the Court of Appeal’s judgment have brought about the adjournment of the tribunal’s proceedings to address the implications of the revised inspection order.