Kaduna State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal has adjourned hearing on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Isa Ashiru, challenging the election of Governor Nasir el-Rufai. In a short ruling delivered on Monday, Justice Ibrahim Bako adjourned hearing on the petition to Thursday, July 17. Lead counsel to Governor el-Rufai, Barrister Aliyu Umar told the tribunal that his witnesses were not in court. He said that the respondent had listed 10 witnesses, including nine INEC officials and a hand writing expert. However, he apologised over the inability of the witnesses to appear before the tribunal on Monday, “due to circumstances beyond the control of both counsel and witnesses. “They are absent because INEC is in a process of reviewing the 2019 elections. But I have been able to talk to the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Kaduna State and I have been assured that my witnesses will be in Kaduna by Wednesday (July 17),” Barrister Umar pleaded with the tribunal. Counsel to both the second and third respondents did not object to the application. Although Barrister E. Y Kurah, lead counsel to the petitioner did not object to the application, he however asked the court to adjourn hearing to 12 noon on the said date. In a short ruling, Justice Bako adjourned hearing to 10 am on Thursday, warning that the days allotted to the first petitioner to open his case have started counting. |
Blueprint gives you the latest Nigerian news in one place. Read the news behind the news on burning National issues, Kannywood, Videos and the Military
