In a significant development, the Kogi off-cycle governorship election petition tribunal is poised to commence its proceedings on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
The announcement was made by David Umar-Mike, the tribunal secretary, during a press briefing held in Lokoja on Thursday.
According to Umar-Mike, the tribunal, constituted by the president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Monica Bolna’an- Dongban, will initiate its session by addressing exparte motions.
He emphasized the importance of this initial step, stating, “By God’s grace, the tribunal will be sitting this Saturday, November 25.
We will take exparte motions; this is because all we have at hand right now are the exparte motions that will be taken on that Saturday.”
The tribunal secretary acknowledged that the full-fledged proceedings might extend over several days as counsels are expected to gather essential documents from institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC Election: SMO Questions (INEC).
Umar-Mike explained, “But the work proper may take a few more days because counsels will have to go and start looking for documents at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the rest of them before they file their various petitions.”
Highlighting the constitutional basis for the election tribunal, Umar-Mike affirmed that its formation aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and the Electoral Act (as amended).
In readiness for the tribunal’s proceedings, the tribunal registry has officially opened for business at the state High Court of Justice complex in Lokoja.
This development comes in the wake of concerns over alleged irregularities during the Kogi governorship election, prompting the need for a thorough legal examination of the electoral process.
The tribunal’s role is crucial in ensuring a fair and transparent resolution of any disputes arising from the election.
Recall that Kogi off cycle election was held on 11th November 2023 with heavy malpractice from Kogi Central in favour of Governor Yahaya Bello ‘s annointed candidate, Usman Ahmed Ododo of All Progressieve Congress (APC) to detriment of the rightful winner of election, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka who won overwhelmingly.
