by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

The gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18, 2023 governorship election, Hon. Isah Ashiru, says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to produce all certified copies of the result sheets in the court as requested..

This was disclosed by the lead counsel to Isa Ashiru, Barrister Oluwole Iyamu (SAN), during the last election tribunal session in Kaduna. 

Sequel to INEC failure, the three-man panel of the election tribunal in the case between Hon. Isa Ashiru of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Uba Sani, All Progressives Congress (APC), and the INEC adjourned the case till 4th July, 2023.

Earlier, the counsel to the petitioners had argued that it will be untidy and not proper to tender them (evidences) in piece meal format and, therefore, better to go back and extract those forms from the INEC at once.

“As you are aware, the documents required for the pursuit of the petition largely are result sheets and other processes available only in the official custody of INEC, which is also a party to this suit.

“We have applied for certified copies of all the forms, particularly the result sheets of all the polling units, from the beginning to the end, so that we can take our case in a manner in which is proper.

“Nothing is wrong with the case; it is just a matter of ensuring that things are done properly. We have asked for those documents and we are believing we shall get them, INEC is a public authority,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the lead counsel to the 2nd respondent, Gov. Uba Sani, Chief Duro Adeleye (SAN), while addressing newsmen explained that the petitioners’ counsel sought for adjournment for them to put their documents in order; this is because they had issues with their documents.

Governor Uba Sani’s counsel, however, stated that: “We are satisfied with the tribunal, as it has been working in line with the procedures.”