Kano Governorship Tribunal: NNPP ends case with no witness

At the Kano State Election Petition Tribunal, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) ended its case without presenting any witnesses in response to a petition filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In its final submission to the tribunal, the NNPP’s legal team, led by Barrister Tijjani Yahya, informed the judges that the party no longer has any witnesses to submit.

The petitioner, the All Progressives Congress (APC), disagrees with the results of the March 18, 2023 election and INEC’s declaration of Abba Kabir-Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) as the victor.

INEC, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are all named as respondents in the petition.

Counsel for NNPP, Tijjani Yahaya, said before the tribunal during the resumption of the hearing, “In view of the evidence by the sole witness of the second respondent, there is no need for us to present any witness.” We beseech you, Lord, to please put an end to this matter.

Neither INEC’s lawyer, Emmanuel Osayomi, nor Kabir-Yusuf’s attorney, Eyitayo Fatigun SAN, raised any objections.

Petitioner’s attorney, Professor Sam Erugo, also didn’t raise any objections.

Petitioners rested their case before the tribunal after presenting the testimony of 32 witnesses; in contrast, INEC rested its case without presenting any evidence.

All parties were praised by the three-person panel, led by Justice Oluyemi Akintan-Osadebay, for their professionalism and cooperation throughout the trial.

She stipulated that all written addresses be submitted by August 15 and that no extensions would be granted.

Akintan-Osadebay postponed the adoption of the final written address until August 21.

Since Kabir-Yusuf wasn’t on the party’s voter roll that was given to INEC before the election, the petitioner wants the tribunal to rule that the NNPP doesn’t have a candidate.