Kogi Election Tribunal Orders INEC to Grant Access to Election Materials

The Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal in Lokoja has granted the counsel to Muritala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Muritala Ajaka, access to election materials used in the recently concluded governorship election.

The tribunal’s decision followed an application by S.E Aruwa, SAN, citing difficulties in obtaining 42 crucial items related to the election from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proceed with the case.

Aruwa asserted that attempts to secure these documents from both the INEC office in Abuja and Lokoja proved unsuccessful, prompting the need for a tribunal order to move forward with the case.

Justice Yusuf Ado Birnin-Kudu, the Presiding Tribunal Judge, deemed the application meritorious in accordance with the constitution and electoral laws.

He ordered INEC to grant access to Counsels representing Muritala Ajaka within two days.

The tribunal chairman also approved the request by John Adele, SAN, representing Muritala Ajaka and SDP, to compel INEC to provide access to BVAS and other electronic materials used within 48 hours.

After the ruling, John Adele SAN expressed optimism that INEC would comply with the tribunal’s decision.