AGS NEWS – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presented electoral documents against the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Murtala Ajaka, at the Kogi State Governorship Petition Tribunal in Abuja on Monday.

The SDP and Ajaka are contesting INEC’s declaration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) incumbent governor, Usman Ododo, as the winner of the November 11, 2023 governorship election. Ododo secured 446,237 votes, defeating Ajaka, who garnered 259,052 votes.

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Having closed their case on April 6, 2024, after calling 25 witnesses, the petitioners saw INEC initiate their case by submitting documents to a three-member panel of justices, led by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu.

These documents included INEC Regulations and Guidelines, Electoral Officer Manuals, and various forms.

Justice Birnin-Kudu admitted the documents as evidence and marked them as exhibits. INEC’s lawyer, Uchenna Njoku, requested an adjournment to prepare their witnesses for the next hearing, scheduled for April 16.

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Earlier, Justice Birnin-Kudu noted that the SDP’s petition deadline was May 29, reducing the time allotted for respondents to present their cases and file final written addresses from 10 to five days.

He assured flexibility in granting additional time if needed.