Gama ward: APC objects PDP witness

The election agent assigned by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to polling unit no 019 located in Gama ward,  Balarabe  Garba , was on Thursday barred from giving evidence  at the ongoing Kano Governorship Election trial.

Balarabe, who appeared before the court led   by Barrister Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko  vehemently objected by  the respondents, who told the court that the witness is not qualified to   testify on the outcome of the election in one of the polling units in Gama ward.

Counsel to INEC, Barrister Adedayo Adedeji told the court that the witness, Balarabe  swore to a statement on oath, although his name is not on the list of witnesses that were enlisted to give evidence before the court, urging the court refrain from allowing the witness to testify before it.

Similarly, Kano state Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje through his counsel, Barrister Offiong Offiong (SAN) adopted the  submission made by counsel to INEC, he said the witness from Gama ward, Nassarawa local government is not qualified to give testimony on the outcome of the governorship elections held on 9thand 23rd march, 2019.

Responding, the counsel representing PDP, Barrister Abiodun Jelili Owonikoko said, at that stage the petitioners cannot verify, if the name of the witness is listed  on the list or the contrary,  he then pray to withdraw the witness from giving evidence.

Owonikoko further prayed the court to adjourn the matter, stating that the petitioners would require time to sought some hitches.

The tribunal chairman, Justice Halima Shamaki granted the request made by the petitioners; she ordered the matter adjourned to July 27 for continuation.

Speaking under cross examination , he said the 23rd march 2019 governorship elections held in Kano was marred with violence, noting that the development compelled him to abstain from signing the result sheets.

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